- Definition
A triangle is a shape with three straight sides and three corners.
The shape of a yield sign is a triangle because it is a polygon with three straight sides.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A triangle is like a sandwich that's been cut diagonally, leaving a shape with three straight sides.
Ask your child: Look around the room: can you spot a triangle anywhere?
Common mix-up: Kids often think a triangle must be sitting flat on one side and pointing up. Any closed shape with three straight sides is a triangle, no matter its orientation or side lengths.
Examples
- The sail on a simple drawing of a sailboat.
- A rack used to set up balls for a game of pool.
triangle 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 ↗
