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What does the perimeter of a shape represent?

  1. The area within a shape

  2. The amount of space a shape occupies

  3. The total length of all sides added together

  4. The length of one side of a shape

The correct answer is: The total length of all sides added together

The perimeter of a shape represents the total length of all its sides added together. It is a measure of the distance around the outside of the shape. This concept applies to any polygon, whether it is a triangle, rectangle, or more complex polygons; the perimeter is calculated by summing the lengths of each side. For example, in a rectangle with lengths of 5 units and 3 units, the perimeter would be calculated as 5 + 3 + 5 + 3, which equals 16 units. This measurement is crucial in various practical situations, such as determining the amount of fencing needed to enclose a garden or the length of trim needed for a room. The other options do not correctly describe the perimeter. The area represents the space within a shape, not the boundary length. The "amount of space a shape occupies" refers to its area, while "the length of one side of a shape" only describes part of the perimeter, not the total length around the shape. Thus, the total length of all sides added together accurately defines the perimeter.