- Definition
A composite polygon is a shape made by joining two or more simpler shapes, like putting together a square and a triangle.
An L-shaped polygon is a composite polygon because you can see it as two rectangles joined together.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A composite polygon is like making a new shape by taping together smaller, familiar shapes like triangles and squares.
Ask your child: Where could you cut this shape to find the smaller shapes inside?
Common mix-up: Kids may see a complex shape and not know where to start. The trick is to see it as a puzzle made of familiar shapes you can work with one at a time.
Examples
- A shape that looks like a house (a square with a triangle on top) is a composite polygon.
- A polygon shaped like an arrow can be broken down into a rectangle and a triangle.
composite polygon is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
