Dimensions – Definition, Types, Examples, Practice Problems

Definition

Dimensions in mathematics are the measure of the size or distance of an object or region or space in one direction. In simpler terms, it is the measurement of the length, width, and height of anything. 

Dimensions are generally expressed as: 

• Length
• Breadth
• Width
• Height or Depth

Types of Figures Based on Dimensions

Based on the number of dimensions present in a figure, it can be classified into:

• Zero – dimensional
• One – dimensional
• Two  – dimensional
• Three – dimensional

1. Zero – dimensional

A point is a zero-dimensional object as it has no length, width or height.  It has no size. It tells about the location only. 

2. One-dimensional 

Only a single measurement is possible for a one-dimensional figure. A line segment drawn on a surface is a one-dimensional object, as it has only length and no width.  

3. Two–dimensional 

The 2-dimensional shapes or objects in geometry are flat plane figures that have two dimensions – length and width.  Two-dimensional or 2-D shapes do not have any thickness and can be measured in only two faces. 

A square, circle, rectangle, and triangle are examples of two-dimensional objects.  We can classify figures on the basis of the dimensions they have. 

The two dimensions are marked on a 2-D graph with two axes: x and y. The x-axis is perpendicular or at 90° to the y-axis.

4. Three-dimensional  

In geometry, three-dimensional shapes are solid figures or objects or shapes that have three dimensions – length, width, and height. Unlike two-dimensional shapes, three-dimensional shapes have thickness or depth.

A cube and cuboid are examples of three-dimensional objects, as they have length, width, and height. 

Take for example a cuboid,

The attributes of the cuboid are faces, edges, and vertices. The three dimensions compose the edges of a 3D geometric shape.

Some Examples of Three-Dimensional Shapes: 

When the three dimensions are marked on a graph, a 3-D graph has three axes, namely, x, y, and z. Each axis is perpendicular or at 90° to the other.

Solved Examples On Dimensions

Question 1: How many dimensions does the given figure have?

Answer: The figure is a curved line drawn from one point to another and has only one dimension, length.

Question 2: How many dimensions does the given figure have?

Answer: This is a dot or a point. It has no dimension at all, with no length, breadth, or width. 

Question 3: How many dimensions does a scale have?

Answer: A scale has a length, a breadth, and thickness. Therefore, it can be said to be three-dimensional. 

Question 4: How many dimensions does a cylindrical water bucket have?

Answer: A cylindrical bucket has a height, depth, and width. Thus, it is a three-dimensional figure. 

Practice Problems On Dimensions

Conclusion

Dimensions denote the measurements of an object or a figure. Learn more with SplashLearn, a game-based platform that makes math, especially geometry, fun with various games and worksheets. Parents can help their kids learn effortlessly with innovative math games that are quick to solve and easy to master.

Frequently Asked Questions On Dimensions