Vertex vs. Vertices: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Vertex is a single point where two or more lines meet, while vertices is the plural form, referring to multiple such points.
Key Differences
A vertex represents a single corner or point in a geometric shape where two or more lines, edges, or rays meet. In the context of shapes and angles, a vertex is integral to the structure of polygons and polyhedra, serving as a defining element of their form. It’s a fundamental term in geometry that pinpoints a location in two-dimensional or three-dimensional space where edges intersect.
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Vertices are simply the plural of vertex, indicating more than one corner or intersection point. When discussing polygons, for instance, one would count the vertices to understand the shape’s complexity. In three-dimensional figures, such as cubes or pyramids, vertices are the corners of the shape. They are essential in defining the structure and are often counted to classify polyhedra.
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Each vertex in a network or graph has its unique properties and can be connected to other vertices via edges. In a single shape, every vertex can be crucial for determining the shape's properties, such as angles and sides. When examining multiple shapes or complex structures, vertices interact with each other through their connective geometry, illustrating the larger geometric or spatial relationship.
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In topology, a vertex is a point where the object is not locally homeomorphic to a Euclidean space. When examining vertices, one can understand the folding, bending, and stretching of shapes, which is fundamental in the study of topological spaces. The study of vertices in complex systems or fractals reveals the intricate patterns and dimensions within mathematical and natural formations.
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Comparison Chart
Number
Singular - refers to one corner or intersection point.
Plural - refers to multiple corners or intersection points.
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Usage in Shapes
Used when referring to a single point in shapes or angles.
Used when discussing the collective corners or points of a shape or multiple shapes.
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Grammatical Role
Acts as a singular noun in sentences.
Acts as a plural noun in sentences.
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Mathematical Use
In equations or functions, it often denotes a specific point or location.
In equations, it represents several points or locations, especially in complex shapes.
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Geometry
A single vertex is a crucial part of defining an angle.
Vertices are counted to define the complexity of a polygon or polyhedron.
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Vertex and Vertices Definitions
Vertex
A vertex can also refer to the highest point of something, like a mountain.
The climber reached the vertex of the mountain at noon.
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Vertices
Vertices are the multiple corner points of a geometric figure.
A hexagon has six vertices.
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Vertex
A vertex is a corner point of a polygon.
A square has four vertex points.
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Vertices
Vertices in a network represent the points of intersection or ends of lines.
In this network diagram, the number of vertices corresponds to the number of routers.
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Vertex
In graph theory, a vertex is a node or a point where lines intersect.
Each vertex in a graph represents a city on a map.
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Vertices
In computer graphics, vertices define the shape of a 3D model.
The designer adjusted the vertices to refine the 3D model's shape.
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Vertex
In the context of an angle, a vertex is the point where two lines meet.
The angle's vertex was marked with a dot.
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Vertices
In geometry, vertices are the points where sides of a polygon or edges of a polyhedron meet.
The vertices of a cube are points where its edges converge.
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Vertex
The vertex in astronomy is the point in the sky where the paths of moving celestial bodies appear to meet.
During the eclipse, the moon passed through the vertex of the celestial sphere.
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Vertices
Vertices are used to describe the bounding points of a shape in coordinate geometry.
Plotting the vertices on the graph will outline the shape of the polygon.
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Vertex
In astrology, the highest point reached in the apparent motion of a celestial body.
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Vertex
The point on a triangle or pyramid opposite to and farthest away from its base.
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Vertex
(geometry) An angular point of a polygon, polyhedron or higher order polytope.
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Vertex
(mathematics) A point on the curve with a local minimum or maximum of curvature.
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Vertex
(graph theory) One of the elements of a graph joined or not by edges to other vertices.
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Vertex
(computer graphics) A point in 3D space, usually given in terms of its Cartesian coordinates.
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Vertex
(optics) The point where the surface of a lens crosses the optical axis.
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Vertex
(astrology) The point where the prime vertical meets the ecliptic in the western hemisphere of a natal chart.
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Vertex
(typography) A sharp downward point opposite a crotch, as in the letters "V" and "W" but not "Y".
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Vertex
A turning point; the principal or highest point; top; summit; crown; apex.
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Vertex
The point in any figure opposite to, and farthest from, the base; the terminating point of some particular line or lines in a figure or a curve; the top, or the point opposite the base.
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Vertex
The point of intersection of lines or the point opposite the base of a figure
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a vertex?
A vertex is a point where two or more curves, lines, or edges meet.
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What's the vertex of an angle?
The vertex of an angle is the point where two rays meet to form the angle.
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Can a vertex exist in 3D shapes?
Yes, a vertex is also a corner in three-dimensional shapes like cubes.
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Are vertices only in polygons?
No, vertices are in any geometric shape where lines or edges meet.
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Can a curve have a vertex?
A curve can have a vertex if it has a sharp point, like in a parabola.
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How is a vertex used in geometry?
In geometry, a vertex is a corner point of polygons and polyhedra.
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How do vertices relate to graph theory?
In graph theory, vertices are the nodes or points in a graph.
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Do circles have vertices?
No, circles do not have vertices as they have no corners.
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Are vertices important in 3D modeling?
Yes, vertices define the shape and form of 3D models.
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Can vertices be points of intersection of arcs?
Yes, vertices can be points where arcs intersect.
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Are vertices used in astronomy?
Yes, the term "vertex" can refer to a point in celestial navigation.
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Can the word "vertex" have different meanings in different contexts?
Yes, "vertex" can have various meanings in math, astronomy, and other fields.
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Do vertices affect the classification of polygons?
Yes, the number of vertices is used to classify polygons.
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How are vertices labeled in mathematics?
Vertices are often labeled with capital letters.
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Can vertices be in non-polygonal shapes?
Yes, any shape where lines or edges meet has vertices.
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What role do vertices play in computational geometry?
Vertices are essential in computational geometry for defining shapes.
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Is the term "vertex" used in topology?
Yes, a vertex in topology refers to a point on a topological space.
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Nov 08, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.