Geometry

Geometry is an ancient Greek word which means to "measure the earth." The Greek
mathematician Euclid in approximately 300 B.C., introduced his brilliant works on geometry in
five volumes he called "The Elements." Euclid is considered to be the greatest mathematician
who ever lived. His work was the basis of all geometry until the early 20th century and is known
as Euclidean geometry. Toward the end of the 19th century another view emerged and
Euclidean Geometry is now regarded as one of many abstract mathematical doctrines.
geometry
Plane and solid geometry as now studied in high school mathematics, coupled with applied
algebra (called analytical geometry} is truly the science of measurement. The use of algebra to
manipulate the dimensions of geometric figures is only one aspect of analytical geometry. It
also allows for the representation of a point in a coordinate plane in space by a pair (or three in
solid geometry), of coordinates, and the representation of lines and curves by equations.
All of the above leads to the fact that geometry is indeed the mathematical science of
measurement. Analytic geometry is perhaps the most practical of the mathematical sciences
because it allows us to use the results of an algebraic manipulation to a geometric figure and
apply the resulting measurements into everyday applications. Without geometry, we would not
have all the luxuries of today's world, and certainly not our space and atomic programs. From
the tiniest of atoms to the vastness of space, it is truly the science of measurement.
As a retired mechanical engineer, mathematics was a way of daily life, especially analytic
geometry. In my many years in product design and tooling I relied heavily on calculated
measurements of geometric shapes to input into computer aided design (CAD) systems for
product design and for computer aided machining (CAM) equipment to generate the tooling to
produce the designed product. BBTanks
Presently I am working with high school and college students as a mathematics tutor. From the
tutoring experience I find that geometry seems to be the most difficult for students to
comprehend and retain. When algebra and trigonometry are added to the geometric figures to
develop measurements, the plot tends to thicken. My evaluation for the reasons of this lack of
understanding and interest has led me to the conclusion that most applicable textbooks are
clouded with proofs and constructions, not allowing the real beauty of geometry to shine
through as the science of measurement. Hence the concept of my book, Geometry Illustrated.
http://bbtanks.com.au/