Perimeter of a Square

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Lesson Objective

In this lesson, we will learn about the perimeter of a square.

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About This Lesson

In this lesson, we will:

  • Learn about the perimeter of a square and the formula for finding its perimeter.
  • See an example on using the formula to find a square's perimeter.
  • See another example on using the formula to find the length of each side (edge) of a square.

The study tips and math video below will explain more.

a square

Study Tips

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Tip #1

A square has four right angles. It has four sides and all the sides have the same length.

Now, if the length of each side is L, the perimeter, P, of the square will be the sum of the length of each side. Hence:

P = 4L

The math video below will give more explanation on this. Also, we will see some examples on how to use this formula.

a square with all sides of length L

Math Video

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Video on the perimeter of a square

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Math Video Transcript

PART 1

00:00:03.170
In this lesson, we will learn about the perimeter of a square.

00:00:09.070
Consider this square. All the sides of this square have the same length, L.

00:00:17.020
Knowing this, we can get the perimeter, P, by adding the length of each side.

00:00:23.160
Hence, we have L, add with L, add with L here, and finally, add with another L.

00:00:35.040
This gives, 4L.

00:00:38.190
Therefore, the perimeter, P, of a square, is equals to 4L.

00:00:45.140
Let's rewrite it here.

00:00:49.000
Note that, in any calculation, when we found the value for P, it is important to include the unit.

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For example, if L is given in centimeter, the unit for the perimeter will be in centimeter as well.

00:01:05.060
The next video will show some examples on using this formula.

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Video on the examples on using the formula P=4L

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Math Video Transcript

PART2

00:00:04.000
After understanding the formula for the perimeter of a square, let's see some examples on using this formula.

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Find the perimeter of this square, when the length of each side is 3cm.

00:00:19.050
We start with the formula for the perimeter of a square, P=4L.

00:00:26.010
Since the length of each side is 3cm, we can substitute, L with 3.

00:00:33.190
4, multiply with 3, gives 12.

00:00:38.110
Hence, we have P=12.

00:00:43.000
Now, this number is meaningless, unless we include the unit for it.

00:00:49.000
Since the length is given in centimeter, the unit for the perimeter will also be in centimeter.

00:00:56.040
Therefore, the perimeter of this square is 12 centimeter.

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Next example, given the perimeter of this square is 20ft, find the length of each side, L.

00:01:12.100
We start with the formula for the perimeter of a square, P=4L.

00:01:19.070
Since the value of the perimeter is given, we can find the length of each side, by solving the equation for L.

00:01:28.140
Here's how. Since the area is given as 20 ft, we can substitute P with 20.

00:01:38.100
Now, we have, 4L=20.

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Let's rewrite this equation so that it looks neater.

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Here, to find L, we need to remove 4.

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We can do so, by dividing both sides of the equation with 4.

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This gives, L=20/4. 20 divided by 4, gives 5.

00:02:11.030
Now, we have, L equals to 5. Note that, this number is meaningless, unless we include the unit for it.

00:02:22.020
Since the perimeter is in feet, the length, L will also be in feet.

00:02:28.180
Therefore, the length of each side is 5ft.

00:02:35.070
That is all for this lesson. Try out the practice question to further your understanding.

Practice Questions & More

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Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Now, let's try some MCQ questions to understand this lesson better.

You can start by going through the series of questions on the perimeter of a square or pick your choice of question below.

  • Question 1 on finding the perimeter of a square
  • Question 2 on finding the length of each side of a square
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