How many sides does a pentagon have?

A pentagon is defined as a five-sided polygon. The term "pentagon" is derived from the Greek words "penta," meaning five, and "gon," meaning sides. Therefore, when asked how many sides a pentagon has, the accurate response is that it has five sides. This geometric classification is consistent across various types of polygons, and the pentagon is commonly recognized in both mathematical contexts and everyday shapes, such as the well-known Pentagon building in Arlington, Virginia, which has five sides.

Understanding the basic properties of polygons is crucial in geometry, as it forms the foundation for recognizing and classifying more complex shapes. Knowing the characteristics of shapes helps with problem-solving in various mathematical areas, including area calculation, perimeter measurement, and understanding symmetry.