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Perimeter - GCSE Maths Definition

Reviewed by: Dan Finlay

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The perimeter of a (two-dimensional) shape is the total distance of all its edges. Perimeter is a distance, so is typically measured in units such as centimetres (cm) or metres (m). Some shapes, such as a semicircle, will have a perimeter made up of straight-lines and curves.

In GCSE Mathematics, understanding perimeter allows you to solve problems involving compound shapes (non-standard shapes made up of common shapes) and finding unknown lengths.

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Dan Finlay

Reviewer: Dan Finlay

Expertise: Maths Subject Lead

Dan graduated from the University of Oxford with a First class degree in mathematics. As well as teaching maths for over 8 years, Dan has marked a range of exams for Edexcel, tutored students and taught A Level Accounting. Dan has a keen interest in statistics and probability and their real-life applications.

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