decagon

Other Definitions
decagon (dict)

In geometry, a decagon is any polygon with ten sides and ten angles, and usually refers to a regular decagon, having all sides of equal length and all angles equal to 144. Its Schlfli symbol is {10}. The area of a regular decagon of side length a is given by

A = \frac{5}{2}a^2 \cot \frac{\pi}{10} = \frac{5a^2}{2} \sqrt{5+2\sqrt{5}} \simeq 7.69421 a^2.

Constructing a decagon

A regular decagon is constructible with a straightedge and compass.

Complete steps 1 though 6 of Contructing a pentagon.
Extend a line from each corner of the pentagon through the center of the circle made in step 1 of Contructing a pentagon to the opposite side of that same circle.
The five corners of the pentagon constitute every other corner of the decagon. The remaining five corners of the decagon are those points where the lines of step 2 cross the original circle (but not a pentagon corner).

Decagon

Constructing a decagon

See also