Understanding Polygons: From Decemyriagon to Megagon
" "Polygons are fascinating geometric shapes that have intrigued mathematicians and enthusiasts for centuries. While common polygons like triangles, squares, and pentagons are well-known, the names of larger polygons can be quite surprising and intriguing. In this article, we will explore the names of polygons with more than 100 sides, starting from the decemyriagon, which is a shape with 100,000 sides. We will delve into their properties and provide a comprehensive guide to help you understand these complex shapes.
" "The Decemyriagon: A 100,000-sided Shape
" "The term decemyriagon refers to a polygon with 100,000 sides. The prefix deca- literally means ten, and -myri- comes from the Greek word for ten thousand, making the decemyriagon an incredibly large shape indeed. While such a complex polygon is not commonly encountered in everyday life, studying it can provide interesting insights into the mathematical properties of highly regular shapes.
" "The Myriagon: A 10,000-sided Shape
" "Myriagon, which typically refers to a polygon with 10,000 sides, is also a fascinating shape. In the realm of polygons, a myriagon is considered one of the most complex regular polygons that can be constructed using simple tools and techniques. Its close approximation to a circle is remarkable and can be useful in various mathematical and design applications.
" "General Notation: n-gons
" "A polygon with ( n ) sides, where ( n ) is a number greater than 10, follows the general notation of an ( n )-gon. For instance, a 47-sided polygon would be called a 47-gon. However, to make these names more understandable and memorable, mathematicians often name them using Greek roots. For example, a 126-sided polygon could be named 126-gon or represented as dodecahexakontagon, but this is often not practical for regular use.
" "Practical Applications
" "Although polygons with over 100 sides are not commonly used in practical applications, they do have some interesting theoretical applications. For example, they can be used in the study of limits and approximation in calculus, where a polygon with a large number of sides can closely approximate a circle. Additionally, such shapes can be utilized in artistic and architectural designs to create aesthetically pleasing and complex forms.