Group by Convexity

Group by Convexity problems involve classifying figures based on whether they are convex (all interior angles < 180°, shape bulges outward) or concave (has at least one interior angle > 180°, has an indentation or 'caved-in' region). These problems test understanding of geometric convexity and shape boundary analysis.

10Worksheets
200+Practice Questions
MediumDifficulty
2-3 hoursHours to Master

Introduction to Group by Convexity

Group by Convexity problems involve classifying figures based on whether they are convex (all interior angles < 180°, shape bulges outward) or concave (has at least one interior angle > 180°, has an indentation or 'caved-in' region). These problems test understanding of geometric convexity and shape boundary analysis.

Prerequisites

Understanding of convex vs concave shapes Interior angle concept Shape boundary analysis Visual recognition of indentations
Why This Matters: Group by Convexity problems appear in 0-1 questions in advanced exams. They test geometric property recognition.

How to Solve Group by Convexity Problems

1

Step 1: Examine each figure for indentations or 'caved-in' regions

2

Step 2: Convex shapes: all interior angles < 180°, shape bulges outward

3

Step 3: Concave shapes: has at least one interior angle > 180°, has indentation

4

Step 4: Group convex shapes together

5

Step 5: Group concave shapes together

6

Step 6: The classification basis is convexity

Pro Strategy: A shape is convex if any line segment connecting two points on the shape lies entirely within the shape. Visually, convex shapes have no 'dents' or 'caves'. Concave shapes have at least one indentation.

Example Problem

Example: Three convex shapes (circle, square, triangle), three concave shapes (star, arrow, cross). How are they grouped? Solution: Step 1: Convex shapes: all interior angles <180°, no indentations Step 2: Concave shapes: have indentations or interior angles >180° Step 3: Group 1: Convex shapes Step 4: Group 2: Concave shapes Step 5: Classification basis = Convexity Answer: Grouped by convexity - convex shapes vs concave shapes

Pro Tips & Tricks

  • Convex shapes: circle, square, triangle, pentagon, hexagon
  • Concave shapes: star, arrow, cross, crescent, heart
  • All regular polygons are convex
  • Stars are concave (they have indentations between points)
  • Arrows are concave (the notch creates an indentation)
  • The letter 'C' is concave, 'O' is convex

Shortcut Methods to Solve Faster

If shape has any 'dent' or 'cave', it's concave
If shape bulges outward everywhere, it's convex
All regular polygons are convex
Stars and arrows are concave
Circles and ellipses are convex

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Classifying a star as convex (it has indentations)
Classifying a crescent as convex (it's clearly concave)
Not recognizing that concave shapes have interior angles >180°
Confusing convexity with symmetry

Exam Importance

Group by Convexity is an important topic for various competitive exams. Here's how frequently it appears:

SSC CGL
0-1 questions
BANKING PO
0-1 questions
RAILWAYS RRB
0-1 questions
INSURANCE
0-1 questions

Ready to Master Group by Convexity?

Start with Worksheet 1 and work your way up to expert level! Each worksheet includes:

20 practice questions
Detailed solutions
Step-by-step explanations
Start Practicing Now