Texas Math Models

Try “number line” or “4.5D”

Models & Strategies · Grades 3–4

Sorting Shapes: The Question Tree

Start at the top box. Answer the question about your shape, then follow the arrow. The last box is its name.

START · How many straight sides?3 sides4 sides5 sides6 sidesnonepentagonhexagoncirclenot a polygonTRIANGLECompare the BIGGEST angleto a square corner.smallerequalbiggeracute triangleright triangleobtuse triangleQUADRILATERALAre there TWO pairsof parallel sides?NOYESIs there exactly ONEpair of parallel sides?NOYESquadrilateraltrapezoidPARALLELOGRAMAre all four anglesright angles?NOYESAll four sides equal?All four sides equal?NOYESNOYESparallelogramrhombusrectanglesquare
1. Start at the top box and count the straight sides of your shape.   2. Follow the arrow for your answer.   3. Answer the next question the same way.   4. Stop when you reach your final box.