Parameter vs. Perimeter: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 7, 2024
A parameter is a variable or a factor that defines a system's characteristics, while a perimeter is the outer boundary or total length around a shape or area.
Key Differences
A parameter refers to a variable, limit, or characteristic factor that defines or constrains a system, often used in mathematics, statistics, and computer programming. Perimeter, in contrast, is a term used in geometry, referring to the total length of the boundary of a two-dimensional shape.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
In the context of a mathematical equation or model, a parameter is a value that influences the outcome or behavior of the model. The perimeter is a measurable property of physical spaces and objects, representing the total distance around a figure, like a square or circle.
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Jan 07, 2024
Parameters can be used to describe the attributes of a population in statistics, such as mean or standard deviation. The perimeter is calculated by summing the lengths of all sides of a polygon or by using specific formulas for circles.
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Jan 07, 2024
In computer programming, parameters are inputs or settings passed to functions or procedures to influence their operation. The concept of a perimeter is often applied in real-life scenarios like calculating the fencing needed for a garden or the border of a land parcel.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
Parameters are fundamental in defining the scope and operation of a system or formula, whereas the perimeter is a specific geometric measure relevant in various practical and theoretical applications.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 07, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A variable or factor defining a system.
The total length around a shape or area.
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Jan 07, 2024
Usage
Mathematics, statistics, programming.
Geometry, practical measurements.
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Jan 07, 2024
Function
Defines characteristics or limits of a system.
Measures the boundary of a two-dimensional shape.
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Jan 07, 2024
Example Applications
Statistical analysis, software development.
Land surveying, construction.
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Jan 07, 2024
Calculation
Depends on the context of the system.
Sum of all side lengths or specific formulas.
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Jan 07, 2024
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Parameter and Perimeter Definitions
Parameter
In programming, a parameter is an input value to a function.
The function's output changes depending on the given parameter.
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Dec 18, 2023
Perimeter
Perimeter refers to the boundary line of an area.
They walked around the perimeter of the field.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parameter
A parameter can be a limit within which a system operates.
The machine operates within specified safety parameters.
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Dec 18, 2023
Perimeter
Perimeter is used in calculating the length around objects.
To fence the yard, they measured its perimeter.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parameter
A parameter is a variable that defines a system's operation.
The temperature is a critical parameter in this chemical reaction.
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Dec 18, 2023
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Perimeter
The perimeter is the total length around a shape.
The perimeter of the square park is 400 meters.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parameter
A constant in an equation that varies in other equations of the same general form, especially such a constant in the equation of a curve or surface that can be varied to represent a family of curves or surfaces.
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Dec 13, 2023
Perimeter
In circles, the perimeter is known as the circumference.
The perimeter, or circumference, of the circle was 31.4 meters.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parameter
One of a set of independent variables that express the coordinates of a point.
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Perimeter
The perimeter is the sum of all sides of a polygon.
The perimeter of a triangle is the sum of its three sides.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parameter
One of a set of measurable factors, such as temperature and pressure, that define a system and determine its behavior and are varied in an experiment.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
Usage Problem A factor that restricts what is possible or what results
"all the parameters of shelter—where people will live, what mode of housing they will choose, and how they will pay for it" (New York).
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
A factor that determines a range of variations; a boundary
An experimental school that keeps expanding the parameters of its curriculum.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
(Statistics) A quantity, such as a mean, that is calculated from data and describes a population.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
A value kept constant during an experiment, equation, calculation, or similar, but varied over other versions of the experiment, equation, calculation, etc.
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Dec 13, 2023
Perimeter
(mathematics) The sum of the distance of all the lengths of the sides of an object.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
(sciences) A variable that describes some system (material, object, event, etc.) or some aspect thereof.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
(statistics) Any measured quantity of a statistical population that summarises or describes an aspect of the population.
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Parameter
(machine learning) A variable of a model that is trained by a machine learning algorithm.
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Perimeter
A fortified strip or boundary usually protecting a military position.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
(programming) An input variable of a function definition, that gets an actual value (argument) at execution time.
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Dec 13, 2023
Perimeter
An instrument for determining the extent and shape of the field of vision.
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Perimeter
The outer boundary of a body or figure, or the sum of all the sides.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
A characteristic or feature that distinguishes something from others.
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Dec 13, 2023
Perimeter
An instrument for determining the extent and shape of the field of vision.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
(geometry) In the ellipse and hyperbola, a third proportional to any diameter and its conjugate, or in the parabola, to any abscissa and the corresponding ordinate.
The parameter of the principal axis of a conic section is called the latus rectum.
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Parameter
(crystallography) The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane.
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Parameter
(crystallography) The fundamental axial ratio for a given species.
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Parameter
A constant number which is part of a theory, function, or calculation, whose value is not determined by the form of the theory or equation itself, and may in some cases be arbitrary assigned.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
A term applied to some characteristic magnitude whose value, invariable as long as one and the same function, curve, surface, etc., is considered, serves to distinguish that function, curve, surface, etc., from others of the same kind or family.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
Any constant number which is required to calculate values of observed phenomena according to a theory, but the value of which must be determined by experiment, and cannot be calculated from the fundamental assumptions of the theory. In general, a theory which has a large number of parameters, though it may accurately predict experimental results, is considered as having less explanatory power and as being less esthetically pleasing than a theory with fewer parameters.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
The ratio of the three crystallographic axes which determines the position of any plane; also, the fundamental axial ratio for a given species.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
The limits, guidelines, or assumptions from within which an activity is carried out; as, new arrivals need to learn the parameters of the research in our department.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
A variable used in a calculation within a computer program which must be assigned a value before the calculation can be performed; as, let's plug in the parameters and see what the result is.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
A characteristic or element, especially one used as a criterion for evaluation or judgment; as, a useful parameter for determining efficiency.
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
A constant in the equation of a curve that can be varied to yield a family of similar curves
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
Any factor that defines a system and determines (or limits) its performance
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
A quantity (such as the mean or variance) that characterizes a statistical population and that can be estimated by calculations from sample data
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Dec 13, 2023
Parameter
In statistics, a parameter is a numerical characteristic of a population.
The average height is an important parameter in demographic studies.
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Dec 18, 2023
Parameter
A parameter is a factor in a model or equation.
Changing the parameters in the model altered the simulation results.
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Dec 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can parameters change?
Yes, parameters can vary depending on the system or model.
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Jan 07, 2024
How do you find the perimeter of a rectangle?
The perimeter of a rectangle is found by adding the lengths of all four sides.
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Jan 07, 2024
What does perimeter mean in geometry?
Perimeter in geometry is the total length around a two-dimensional shape.
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Jan 07, 2024
How is the perimeter used in real life?
The perimeter is used in real life for tasks like fencing a yard or laying out a sports field.
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Jan 07, 2024
Is a parameter the same as an argument in programming?
A parameter is a variable in a function definition, while an argument is the actual value passed.
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Jan 07, 2024
Do parameters define the scope of a study?
Yes, parameters help define the scope and limitations of a study or analysis.
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Jan 07, 2024
Is perimeter only for polygons?
Perimeter applies to any closed two-dimensional shape, including polygons and circles.
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Jan 07, 2024
Are parameters always numerical?
Parameters can be numerical or represent other types of data, like strings in programming.
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Jan 07, 2024
What is a parameter in mathematics?
In mathematics, a parameter is a variable that influences the outcome of a formula or function.
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Jan 07, 2024
What tools can measure perimeter?
Tools like measuring tapes, rulers, and laser distance meters can measure perimeter.
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Jan 07, 2024
What's the perimeter of a circle called?
The perimeter of a circle is known as the circumference.
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Jan 07, 2024
Can a parameter be a constant?
Yes, a parameter can be a constant value within a particular context or model.
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Jan 07, 2024
Why is perimeter important in construction?
Perimeter is important in construction for determining boundary lines and material quantities.
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Jan 07, 2024
How do you measure perimeter?
Perimeter is measured by adding the lengths of all the sides of a shape.
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Jan 07, 2024
Can the perimeter be the same for different shapes?
Yes, different shapes can have the same perimeter length.
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Jan 07, 2024
Are parameters used in experimental design?
Yes, parameters are used in experimental design to define conditions and limits.
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Jan 07, 2024
Is learning about perimeter important for students?
Yes, understanding perimeter is fundamental in geometry and practical applications.
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Jan 07, 2024
How do parameters affect computer programs?
Parameters affect how a program functions by providing specific inputs to its functions.
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Jan 07, 2024
What is a statistical parameter?
A statistical parameter is a numerical characteristic that describes a population.
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Jan 07, 2024
Do parameters vary in different fields?
Yes, the nature and use of parameters can vary widely across different scientific and technical fields.
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Jan 07, 2024
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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.
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