Formula DeterminationReturn to Mathematics Index
Odom, Clark Collins H.S.
1-312-542-3500
Objective 1) Student will learn to determine the number of degrees in any convex polygon. Equipment and Material Overhead Projector Geo-Boards Rubber Bands Recommended Strategies Remind the students that the sum of the three interior angles of every triangle has a measure of 180 degrees. Establish a meaningful definition of a polygon. A polygon is a many sided closed geometric figure. Using the overhead projector have a transparent geo-board on the overhead projector. Demonstrate the shapes of various polygons by stretching rubber bands around the nails. Take another rubber band stretch it from one vertex to another non adjacent vertex. This is to determine the number of triangles formed. Repeat this operation with various sided polygons. The students will be recording their findings on a chart. A sample chart is below. Prepare a sample chart to pass to each student constituting of data each student should make an attempt to actively collect. Chart No of Sides Triangles Formed No of Degrees in
each Triangle ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- --------- ------------ ---------- . . . After each student has collected the data, he should be able to derive the formula (N - 2)180 which is the desired goal. Analyze this formula for the student to illustrate how this is used to determined the number of degrees in any polygon with (N) number of sides by the number of triangles that was formed with the geo-boards and rubber bands.