Every student has been there. You’re trying to work through a geometry problem, but it just isn’t making sense.
Maybe you want to give up and stop trying, but maybe all you need to be successful is a different approach. Keep reading to learn about some geometry concepts and how to go about solving geometry problems.
Getting Set Up
When learning geometry, it’s important to set up each problem the right way. Geometry involves shapes and figures, so it is good to start by drawing diagrams if they are not given.
To draw the figures well, you’ll need at least a straight-edge or ruler, a protractor, and possibly even a compass. You’ll also need a good pencil and some paper, and you might need a calculator to do any computations.
Once you have all your materials and your diagrams drawn, you can start working on a solution to the problem. It is good practice to write down everything you are given and what you’re trying to find at the end of the problem.
This will help you develop a plan to fill in the steps in between. You can start with the given information and work your way to the solution. If that doesn’t work, depending on the problem, you may be able to start from the end and work backward.
Geometry Concepts
There are many basic concepts to understand when you’re trying to get better at geometry. Geometry is the study of the sizes, shapes, and positions of objects.
It has been around for centuries and is often considered to have been founded by the ancient Greek mathematician Euclid who first wrote the five postulates that still define today’s geometry.
Proofs
Geometry is likely the first time you’ll encounter the idea of a mathematical proof, but proofs are one of the most fundamental parts of all of mathematics. The idea of a proof is to start with known information and logically deduce a conclusion.
Most proofs start with postulates or axioms. These are just pieces of information that we assume to be true in a problem.
Some proofs can start with properties. These are similar to postulates in that they are assumed to be true, but they are specific to a particular object or figure and have to do with the fundamental nature of that object.
Another important part of proofs is theorems. Theorems are similar to postulates and properties in that they are true, but they are not assumed to be true. Instead, they require proof.
Theorems can be used in different ways in a proof. Sometimes a theorem is the result of a proof. It’s the conclusion that you are trying to prove using postulates or properties.
You can also use theorems within a proof if they are already known to be true.
Applications
There are many applications for geometry. It is used frequently in art, architecture, physics, and engineering to solve problems and create beautiful designs.
One cool application of geometry is calculating the volume of a pyramid with a triangular base. To access an online tool to do this, use this link.
Next Steps
Now that you know more about how to get started with a geometry problem, some basic geometry concepts, and how to use them to solve problems, feel free to do some practice problems so you can get better at geometry.
Once you do some practice problems, you should be able to get the hang of geometry. If you liked this article, please share or check out some of our other articles!
