Circle vs. Hectogon — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 24, 2024
A circle is a shape with a continuous curve and no edges, defined by all points equidistant from the center, while a hectogon, on the other hand, is a polygon with 100 sides and angles.
Difference Between Circle and Hectogon
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A circle is a fundamental shape in geometry characterized by its smooth, continuous curve that forms a closed loop, where every point on this curve is equidistant from a central point. Whereas, a hectogon is a type of polygon that consists of 100 straight sides and 100 angles, forming a much more complex shape than the circle.
The symmetry of a circle is infinite because it can be divided equally from any diameter, offering perfect rotational symmetry. On the other hand, a hectogon, while still symmetrical, has a finite number of symmetrical divisions possible, specifically 100 lines of symmetry if it is regular.
Circles are often used in design and architecture for their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity due to even stress distribution. In contrast, hectogons might be used in tiling patterns or graphical designs where a large number of sides can create intricate visuals.
The concept of a circle is more prevalent in everyday life and can be observed in many natural and manufactured forms – from planetary orbits to wheels. Hectogons are far less common and are more likely to be encountered in specialized mathematical or artistic contexts due to their complexity.
Comparison Chart
Sides
No sides, continuous curve
100 sides
ADVERTISEMENT
Angles
No angles, perfectly round
100 angles
Symmetry
Infinite rotational symmetry
100 lines of symmetry
Common Uses
Wheels, clocks, design elements
Tiling patterns, graphic design
Compare with Definitions
Circle
A group of people or things arranged in a circular shape.
The students formed a circle around the teacher.
Hectogon
A polygon with 100 sides.
In geometry class, we learned how to draw a hectogon using a protractor.
Circle
A round plane figure whose boundary consists of points equidistant from a fixed point.
A pizza is typically shaped like a circle.
Hectogon
A figure used in theoretical mathematics and complex tiling problems.
The conference on tessellations included a discussion on hectogons.
Circle
A process or series of events that repeats in a cyclic manner.
The discussion kept going in circles, with no conclusion.
Hectogon
Not commonly found in nature unlike simpler geometric forms.
The scientist described a newly discovered plant cell that surprisingly resembled a hectogon.
Circle
A territorial or administrative division, especially in former German, Austrian, and Russian empires.
The administrative circle was responsible for local governance.
Hectogon
A rarely used shape in practical applications due to its complexity.
The artist experimented with a hectogon in her new mosaic design.
Circle
A domain or area of interest.
She has expanded her social circle dramatically this year.
Hectogon
Featured in certain artistic patterns to demonstrate complexity and detail.
The hectogon pattern on the wallpaper adds a unique aesthetic to the room.
Circle
A circle is a shape consisting of all points in a plane that are at a given distance from a given point, the centre; equivalently it is the curve traced out by a point that moves in a plane so that its distance from a given point is constant. The distance between any point of the circle and the centre is called the radius.
Hectogon
In geometry, a hectogon or hecatontagon or 100-gon is a hundred-sided polygon. The sum of all hectogon's interior angles are 17640 degrees.
Circle
A round plane figure whose boundary (the circumference) consists of points equidistant from a fixed point (the centre)
Draw a circle with a compass
Hectogon
(mathematics) a polygon having a hundred sides
Circle
A group of people with a shared profession, interests, or acquaintances
She did not normally move in such exalted circles
Hectogon
(computing) an individual processor in some parallel processing systems
Circle
Move all the way around (someone or something), especially more than once
They were circling Athens airport
We circled round the island
Circle
A plane curve everywhere equidistant from a given fixed point, the center.
Circle
A planar region bounded by a circle.
Circle
Something, such as a ring, shaped like such a plane curve.
Circle
A circular or nearly circular course, circuit, or orbit:a satellite's circle around the earth.
Circle
A traffic circle.
Circle
A series or process that finishes at its starting point or continuously repeats itself; a cycle.
Circle
A group of people sharing an interest, activity, or achievement:well-known in artistic circles.
Circle
A territorial or administrative division, especially of a province, in some European countries.
Circle
A sphere of influence or interest; domain.
Circle
(Logic)A vicious circle.
Circle
To make or form a circle around:The hedge circles the fountain.
Circle
To move in a circle around:The ship circled the island.
Circle
To move in a circle.
Circle
(geometry) A two-dimensional geometric figure, a line, consisting of the set of all those points in a plane that are equally distant from a given point (center).
The set of all points (x, y) such that {{(x
R2}} is a circle of radius r around the point (1, 0).
Circle
A two-dimensional geometric figure, a disk, consisting of the set of all those points of a plane at a distance less than or equal to a fixed distance (radius) from a given point.
Circle
Any shape, curve or arrangement of objects that approximates to or resembles the geometric figures.
Children, please join hands and form a circle.
Circle
Any thin three-dimensional equivalent of the geometric figures.
Cut a circle out of that sheet of metal.
Circle
A curve that more or less forms part or all of a circle.
The crank moves in a circle.
Circle
A specific group of persons; especially one who shares a common interest.
Inner circle
Circle of friends
Literary circle
Circle
The orbit of an astronomical body.
Circle
(cricket) A line comprising two semicircles of 30 yards radius centred on the wickets joined by straight lines parallel to the pitch used to enforce field restrictions in a one-day match.
Circle
(Wicca) A ritual circle that is cast three times deosil and closes three times widdershins either in the air with a wand or literally with stones or other items used for worship.
Circle
A traffic circle or roundabout.
Circle
(obsolete) Compass; circuit; enclosure.
Circle
A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
Circle
(logic) A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.
Circle
Indirect form of words; circumlocution.
Circle
A territorial division or district.
The ten Circles of the Holy Roman Empire were those principalities or provinces which had seats in the German Diet.
Circle
(in the plural) A bagginess of the skin below the eyes from lack of sleep.
After working all night, she had circles under her eyes.
Circle
(transitive) To travel around along a curved path.
The wolves circled the herd of deer.
Circle
(transitive) To surround.
A high fence circles the enclosure.
Circle
(transitive) To place or mark a circle around.
Circle the jobs that you are interested in applying for.
Circle
(intransitive) To travel in circles.
Vultures circled overhead.
Circle
A plane figure, bounded by a single curve line called its circumference, every part of which is equally distant from a point within it, called the center.
Circle
The line that bounds such a figure; a circumference; a ring.
Circle
An instrument of observation, the graduated limb of which consists of an entire circle.
Circle
A round body; a sphere; an orb.
It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.
Circle
Compass; circuit; inclosure.
In the circle of this forest.
Circle
A company assembled, or conceived to assemble, about a central point of interest, or bound by a common tie; a class or division of society; a coterie; a set.
As his name gradually became known, the circle of his acquaintance widened.
Circle
A circular group of persons; a ring.
Circle
A series ending where it begins, and repeating itself.
Thus in a circle runs the peasant's pain.
Circle
A form of argument in which two or more unproved statements are used to prove each other; inconclusive reasoning.
That heavy bodies descend by gravity; and, again, that gravity is a quality whereby a heavy body descends, is an impertinent circle and teaches nothing.
Circle
Indirect form of words; circumlocution.
Has he given the lie,In circle, or oblique, or semicircle.
Circle
A territorial division or district.
Circle
To move around; to revolve around.
Other planets circle other suns.
Circle
To encompass, as by a circle; to surround; to inclose; to encircle.
Their heads are circled with a short turban.
So he lies, circled with evil.
Circle
To move circularly; to form a circle; to circulate.
Thy name shall circle round the gaping through.
Circle
Ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point;
He calculated the circumference of the circle
Circle
An unofficial association of people or groups;
The smart set goes there
They were an angry lot
Circle
Something approximating the shape of a circle;
The chairs were arranged in a circle
Circle
Movement once around a course;
He drove an extra lap just for insurance
Circle
A road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island;
The accident blocked all traffic at the rotary
Circle
Street names for flunitrazepan
Circle
A curved section or tier of seats in a hall or theater or opera house; usually the first tier above the orchestra;
They had excellent seats in the dress circle
Circle
Any circular or rotating mechanism;
The machine punched out metal circles
Circle
Travel around something;
Circle the globe
Circle
Move in circles
Circle
Be around;
Developments surround the town
The river encircles the village
Circle
Form a circle around;
Encircle the errors
Common Curiosities
What is a circle?
A circle is a shape with all points the same distance from its center.
Where might one commonly find a circle used?
Circles are commonly used in items like wheels and circular design elements.
Is there a simple mathematical equation for a hectogon?
No, there is no simple equation for a hectogon; it is constructed geometrically.
Where might one commonly see a hectogon?
Hectogons are rarely seen in everyday use but can be found in some intricate tiling or graphic designs.
What examples of circles are there in everyday life?
Examples include objects like pizzas, wheels, and many mechanical parts.
Are hectogons used in architecture?
While not common, hectogons can be used in some architectural elements, especially in complex designs or decorations.
Is a hectogon more complex to create than a circle?
Yes, due to its 100 sides, a hectogon is more complex to design and create compared to the simple and universally recognizable circle.
How many sides does a hectogon have?
A hectogon has 100 sides.
What is a hectogon?
A hectogon is a polygon with 100 sides.
How do circles and hectogons differ in symmetry?
A circle has infinite rotational symmetry, while a hectogon has 100 lines of symmetry.
Can a circle have any sides or angles?
No, a circle is defined by its lack of sides and angles, having a continuous curve.
What role does symmetry play in the characteristics of circles and hectogons?
Symmetry defines both the aesthetic and structural aspects of these shapes; a circle’s infinite symmetry contributes to its balanced properties, while a hectogon’s limited but numerous symmetries offer a different type of balance.
What are the practical uses of a hectogon?
Hectogons are mostly theoretical and used in complex mathematical or artistic contexts.
How does the complexity of a hectogon compare to a circle?
A hectogon is significantly more complex due to its many sides and angles, compared to the simplicity of a circle.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Mayor vs. Governor
Next Comparison
Obsoletion vs. ObsolescenceAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
