So this came up tonight with a friend while we were studying, he had an old SAT question that asked "How many sides does this shape have?". Below is a representation of the image provided.
After searching around and debating it, we came up with nothing. A polygon is defined as "consisting of a number of points and an equal number of line segments, with no three successive points collinear". But the question clearly stated "shape" and not polygon. Because of this, we're pretty stumped.
We then concluded on the proposition that this would have to depend on whether or not you were taught if lines have 1 or 2 sides.
Best Answer
This is a terrible question unless it comes with definitions of "shape" and "sides". If you have those, you should be able to find an unambiguous answer. As there are not (as far as I know) standard mathematical definitions of those terms, there is no excuse for the SAT asking the question. I would define a side as a line segment that divides the inside from the outside and get $5$. You imply arguments for $6$ and $7$, both of which are reasonable answers. The fact that there are at least two reasonable answers proves it is not a good question.