Attributes - Definition, Examples, Quiz, FAQ, Trivia
Learn about attributes of shapes with easy explanations, examples, and activities
What is an Attribute?
An attribute is a special word we use to describe something about an object. In math, attributes help us talk about what shapes look like and how they are different from each other.
Think about your favorite toy. What words would you use to describe it? You might say it's red, big, round, or smooth. These words - red, big, round, smooth - are all attributes!
In math, we use attributes to describe shapes. Some important shape attributes are:
Size
How big or small something is (tall, short, long, wide)
Color
The color of the shape (red, blue, yellow, etc.)
Shape
The type of shape (circle, square, triangle, etc.)
Texture
How something feels (smooth, rough, bumpy)
Key Concept
Attributes are words that describe what something is like. They help us understand, compare, and sort objects.
Attributes of 2D Shapes
2D shapes are flat shapes that have two dimensions - length and width. We can describe them using special math attributes:
Circle
0 corners
0 sides
Round
Square
4 corners
4 equal sides
4 right angles
Triangle
3 corners
3 sides
3 angles
Rectangle
4 corners
4 sides
Opposite sides equal
Sides
The straight lines that make up the shape. A triangle has 3 sides, a square has 4 sides.
Vertices (Corners)
Points where sides meet. A square has 4 vertices, a triangle has 3 vertices.
Angles
The space between two sides. A square has four 90-degree angles.
Symmetry
When a shape can be folded and both sides match perfectly. A square has 4 lines of symmetry.
Remember
All 2D shapes are flat and can be drawn on paper. They have length and width but no thickness.
Attributes of 3D Shapes
3D shapes are solid shapes that have three dimensions - length, width, and height. They are also called solid shapes. We use special attributes to describe them:
Cube
6 faces
12 edges
8 vertices
Sphere
0 faces
0 edges
0 vertices
Cylinder
2 faces
2 edges
0 vertices
Pyramid
5 faces
8 edges
5 vertices
Faces
The flat surfaces of a 3D shape. A cube has 6 faces, all squares.
Edges
Where two faces meet. A cube has 12 edges.
Vertices
Points where edges meet (corners). A cube has 8 vertices.
Base
The bottom face that a shape sits on. A pyramid has a square base.
Remember
3D shapes are solid and take up space. You can hold them in your hand!
Attribute Examples
Let's look at how we use attributes to describe and sort objects:
Example 1: Sorting by Color
We can sort blocks into groups: all red blocks together, all blue blocks together, and so on. Color is an attribute.
Example 2: Sorting by Size
We can put all big blocks in one pile and small blocks in another. Size is an attribute.
Example 3: Sorting by Shape
We can make groups of circles, squares, and triangles. Shape is an attribute.
Example 4: Sorting by Texture
We can separate smooth objects from rough objects. Texture is an attribute.
Example 5: Using Multiple Attributes
We can find all red, big, smooth circles. This uses three attributes: color, size, and texture.
Math Tip
We can use more than one attribute at a time to describe things very specifically!
Attribute Practice Quiz
Test what you've learned with this 5-question quiz. Choose the best answer for each question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about attributes:
Math Attribute Trivia
Discover interesting facts about attributes and shapes:
Ancient Shapes
The ancient Egyptians used attributes of shapes to build the pyramids over 4,500 years ago. They understood that triangles are strong shapes!
Nature's Shapes
Honeybees make honeycombs with perfect hexagons. This shape uses the least wax to hold the most honey - a smart use of shape attributes!
Round Earth
Our Earth is a sphere, which is a 3D shape with no edges or vertices. It's the perfect shape for moving through space!
Art and Attributes
Artists use attributes like shape, color, and size to create beautiful paintings and sculptures. Math and art work together!
