Can we combine 2D shapes to create new shapes?
Yes, we can put together two dimensional shapes to come up with new 2D shapes. The example below shows a shape that has been formed with a rectangle and a triangle.
How can we take apart 2D shapes to create other 2D shapes?
This can be explained with an example. Let us take the two-dimensional shape of a rectangle.
Now, if we split the rectangle into two pieces, it will result in two squares.
If these two squares are combined, they will form the same rectangle that we had earlier.
This is how 2D shapes are taken apart, or combined, to form new 2D shapes.
Different combinations of shapes we can make by putting together 2D shapes
Have a look at some of these 2D shapes that have been formed by combining other 2D shapes.
- A square which is a combination of 2 triangles.
- A triangle which is a combination of 2 triangles.
- A trapezoid which is a combination of 3 triangles. If you look closely at the shape, one of the triangles is upside down.
- A rhombus which is a combination of 2 triangles. Here, the triangles are placed sideways to form the rhombus.
- A square which is a combination of 4 triangles.
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Did you know?
You can create a hexagon by combining 6 triangles!
Solved Examples
1. If we take 2 triangles and put them together, what shape could be formed.
Answer: Let us first have a look at the two triangles.
Now, when we combine these two triangles, we will get a rectangle.
2. Use a triangle and a trapezium to create a 
, a parallelogram.
Answer: So, let us first take a triangle 
and invert it like this 
. Now, for a trapezium, we have 
.When we combine the inverted triangle and the trapezium, we will form , which is a parallelogram.
3. Can you take the 2D shapes apart from the figure given below?
Answer: From the above shape, we can find a trapezoid 
and a rectangle 
that are put together to create the figure in the question.
4. Draw a line through a square to take the square apart and form two triangles.
Answer: In order to show the formation of two triangles out of this square, we will draw a line through it, which is called the diagonal of the square.
We can draw this line, or the diagonal, through the square in another direction also.
As a result, we can form two sets of triangles from the same square by drawing diagonals inside a square.
A composite shape is another term for two-dimensional shapes, which are usually made up of 2D shapes like circles, semi-circles, triangles, rectangles, and squares
A semi-circle looks like this.
Now, if we take two such semi-circles and place them opposite each other, like this,
We have now combined these two semi-circles and created a circle like this.
Shapes form an essential part of a child’s development. When children learn about different shapes, they learn to find and organize visual information. Children get an early understanding of numbers and letters as well, while learning about shapes.
Pattern blocks are excellent examples of math manipulatives. They are a collection of color-coded popular 2D shapes such as triangles, squares, parallelograms, rhombuses, trapezoids, and hexagons. They come in various colors. These pattern blocks are useful for providing a visual image that enables children to have a strong understanding of shapes and math concepts. Pattern blocks help in developing the concept of equivalence while coming across math concepts dealing with halves, thirds, or even sixths.
Learning about shapes at a young age not only helps children to write and draw, but prepares them for geometry in the future years of schooling as well. Here are some activities that children as students can participate in to learn about shapes:
- Sorting surrounding items by shape
- Enjoying food items that are cut into different shapes
- Assembling toys that come in different shapes
- Using geoboards, a board with pegs and and rubber bands, for creating shapes
- Finding different shapes amidst nature
- Putting craft stick shapes together
- Creating 2D shapes with toothpicks and play dough