Understanding the Key Differences between Perimeter and Area
As a student, you must have come across the terms perimeter and area in your math classes. But do you know the difference between them? Many students often get confused between these two terms, primarily because they sound similar. However, perimeter and area are two different measurements used in mathematics. In this article, we will explain the fundamental differences between perimeter and area.
The Perimeter
The perimeter is a measurement of the distance around a two-dimensional object. To calculate the perimeter of an object, you need to add up the length of all its sides. The unit of measurement for perimeter is generally in centimeters, meters, or feet. For example, if you want to find the perimeter of a square whose sides are measured at 5cm, you would simply add 5cm + 5cm + 5cm + 5cm, which equals to 20cm.
In simpler terms, the perimeter measures the total length of the outer boundary of a shape or object. This measurement is important in, for instance, determining the amount of fencing required to surround a property or garden.
The Area
The area, on the other hand, is the measurement of the region enclosed within a two-dimensional object. When calculating the area of an object, you measure the total space it covers. The unit of measurement for an area typically includes meters squared or centimeters squared. To calculate the area of a square with a side length of 4cm, you would use the formula A = side x side which equals A = 4cm x 4cm or 16cm².
In simple terms, area is the amount of surface something covers. It’s used in determining the amount of material needed to cover a specified space, such as tiling a floor, painting a wall, or covering a roof.
The Difference between Perimeter and Area
So, what’s the difference between perimeter and area? Simply, perimeter measures the total length of the boundary surrounding an object or figure, while area measures the amount of surface space enclosed within that boundary. In other words, perimeter is one-dimensional, while area is two-dimensional.
In Conclusion, understanding the difference between perimeter and area is important when studying mathematical concepts. The two measurements serve different purposes in the real world, and it is essential to know how to calculate them correctly. Hopefully, this article has helped you to grasp the key differences between perimeter and area measurements.
Table difference between perimeter and area
Difference between Perimeter and Area
| Parameter | Description | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Perimeter | The total length of the boundary of a 2D shape. | For a rectangle with length l and width w: Perimeter = 2(l + w) For a square with side s: Perimeter = 4s For a circle with radius r: Perimeter = 2πr |
| Area | The extent or measurement of a 2D shape. | For a rectangle with length l and width w: Area = lw For a square with side s: Area = s² For a circle with radius r: Area = πr² |
| Difference | The main difference is that perimeter measures the distance around the outside of a shape while area measures the amount of space inside a shape. | N/A |