FTCE General Knowledge Math Practice Test

In geometry, what does the term "polygon" specifically refer to?

1. A shape created by circular lines

2. Any multi-sided figure

3. A closed figure made of line segments

4. A shape that can have curved edges

The correct answer is: A closed figure made of line segments

The term "polygon" specifically refers to a closed figure composed entirely of line segments. This definition is crucial because it emphasizes two key characteristics: the closed nature of the shape and the fact that it is formed by straight lines. A polygon can have various numbers of sides, and these sides can be of different lengths, but they must all be straight segments meeting at their endpoints to form vertices. The other options describe characteristics that do not align with the definition of a polygon. For instance, a shape created by circular lines refers more to curves and does not meet the criteria of being made solely of line segments. Terms like "any multi-sided figure" can be misleading, as they might imply that curves or non-linear elements can be included, which is not the case with polygons. Similarly, a shape that can have curved edges directly contradicts the definition of a polygon, since all edges must be straight. Thus, the specification that a polygon is a closed figure made up of line segments underscores its unique geometric properties.