Grade 5 Mathematics: Geometry Notes
Based on the NIED Senior Primary Mathematics Syllabus (Namibia)
1. Introduction
In Grade 5, learners build on their understanding of shapes, lines, angles, and
symmetry. They learn to identify, describe, draw, and compare 2-D and 3-D
shapes, work with lines and angles, and apply geometric concepts in real-life
situations. The focus is on observation, drawing, and measuring using
mathematical tools such as rulers, protractors, and set squares.
2. Two-Dimensional (2-D) Shapes
2-D shapes are flat and have only length and width. Learners must identify and
describe common polygons and understand their properties.
Examples of 2-D shapes:
• Triangle – 3 sides and 3 angles.
• Square – 4 equal sides and 4 right angles.
• Rectangle – 2 pairs of equal sides and 4 right angles.
• Pentagon – 5 sides and 5 angles.
• Hexagon – 6 sides and 6 angles.
• Circle – a curved shape with no corners; all points are equally distant from the
centre.
3. Three-Dimensional (3-D) Shapes
3-D shapes have length, width, and height. Learners identify and describe solid
shapes by their faces, edges, and vertices.
Examples of 3-D shapes:
• Cube – 6 square faces, 12 edges, 8 vertices.
• Cuboid (rectangular box) – 6 rectangular faces, 12 edges, 8 vertices.
• Cylinder – 2 circular faces and 1 curved surface.
• Cone – 1 circular face, 1 vertex, and 1 curved surface.
• Sphere – 1 curved surface, no edges, no vertices.
• Pyramid – a flat base and triangular faces meeting at a vertex.
4. Lines and Angles
Lines are straight paths that extend in both directions. Angles are formed where
two lines or rays meet.
Types of lines:
• Parallel lines – lines that never meet and are always the same distance apart.
• Perpendicular lines – lines that meet at a right angle (90°).
• Intersecting lines – lines that cross each other.
Types of angles:
• Acute angle – smaller than 90°.
• Right angle – exactly 90°.
• Obtuse angle – greater than 90° but less than 180°.
• Straight angle – exactly 180°.
Example:
• Measure and classify the following angles:
- 45° → Acute angle
- 90° → Right angle
- 120° → Obtuse angle
5. Triangles
A triangle is a 2-D shape with three sides and three angles. The sum of its
interior angles is always 180°.
Types of triangles by sides:
• Equilateral – all sides and angles are equal.
• Isosceles – two sides and two angles are equal.
• Scalene – all sides and angles are different.
Types of triangles by angles:
• Acute-angled – all angles are less than 90°.
• Right-angled – one angle is exactly 90°.
• Obtuse-angled – one angle is greater than 90°.
Example:
If two angles of a triangle are 50° and 60°, the third angle is 180° – (50° + 60°) =
70°.
6. Symmetry
A shape has symmetry if one half is a mirror image of the other. The line dividing
the two equal halves is called the line of symmetry.
Examples:
• A square has 4 lines of symmetry.
• A rectangle has 2 lines of symmetry.
• An equilateral triangle has 3 lines of symmetry.
• A circle has infinite lines of symmetry.
7. Perimeter and Area
Learners calculate the perimeter and area of basic shapes like rectangles and
squares.
Formulas:
• Perimeter of rectangle = 2 × (length + width)
• Area of rectangle = length × width
• Perimeter of square = 4 × side
• Area of square = side × side
Examples:
• Find the perimeter and area of a rectangle with length 8 cm and width 5 cm.
- Perimeter = 2 × (8 + 5) = 26 cm
- Area = 8 × 5 = 40 cm²
• Find the area of a square with side 6 cm.
- Area = 6 × 6 = 36 cm²
8. Position and Movement
Learners describe position and movement of shapes on a grid or in space.
• Translation – sliding a shape to a new position without turning it.
• Reflection – flipping a shape over a line (mirror image).
• Rotation – turning a shape around a fixed point.
Example:
• Reflect a triangle across a vertical line to form its mirror image.
• Translate a square 3 units to the right and 2 units up on a coordinate grid.
9. Real-life Applications
Geometry is used in everyday life to understand shapes, design, and structure.
Examples include:
• Architecture – buildings and roof designs use triangles and rectangles.
• Art and patterns – symmetry and shapes are used in design.
• Sports fields – rectangular and circular shapes for courts and tracks.
• Packaging – boxes, cans, and bottles represent 3-D shapes.
10. Practice Questions
1. Name a shape that has four equal sides and four right angles.
2. How many faces does a cube have?
3. Measure and classify an angle of 135°.
4. Draw a triangle with one right angle.
5. Find the area of a square with side 9 cm.
6. Draw the line of symmetry for a rectangle.
7. Translate a triangle 4 units to the right on a grid.
8. Name a real-life object that is a cylinder.