Polyhedrons

Concept sheet | Mathematics

What is a polyhedron?

Definition

A polyhedron is a solid whose faces are polygons. It does not have any curved surfaces.

Examples:

Examples of polyhedrons
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Among the polyhedrons, there are prisms and pyramids.

Read the prisms and pyramids concept sheet for more information.

What is a convex polyhedron and a non-convex polyhedron?

Definitions
  • A polyhedron is convex when no part of its angles point towards the inside of the solid. In other words, it does not contain a hollow or cavity.
  • A polyhedron is non-convex (concave) when at least one part of it angles points towards the inside of the solid. In other words, it contains at least one hollow or cavity.

Examples:

ConvexNon-convex
Exemples de polyèdres convexes
Exemples de polyèdres non convexes
Tip

Connect different points of the solid with line segments to check if a polyhedron is convex or non-convex.

A polyhedron is non-convex if at least one line segment connecting two points lies outside the solid.

Examples:

ConvexNon-convex
Exemples de polyèdres convexes
 Exemples de polyèdres non convexes