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center of a geometric figure
The '''center''' of a [[geometric]] shape is a point that, on average, the points of the shape are [[equidistant]] from. This point does not have to be on the shape itself.
For example, all the points of a [[circle]] are equidistant the center, however the center is not a point on the circle because the circle is only the rim and has empty interior. In contrast, the center of a disk is a point of the disk.
We must say "on average" in the definition because, for example, not all points are the same distance away from the center of a [[square]], however the distances will average to be the same value and cancel out.
For complicated geometric shapes and [[solid]]s, the term [[centroid]] is prefered.
[[Category:Geometry]]
For example, all the points of a [[circle]] are equidistant the center, however the center is not a point on the circle because the circle is only the rim and has empty interior. In contrast, the center of a disk is a point of the disk.
We must say "on average" in the definition because, for example, not all points are the same distance away from the center of a [[square]], however the distances will average to be the same value and cancel out.
For complicated geometric shapes and [[solid]]s, the term [[centroid]] is prefered.
[[Category:Geometry]]