Geometry for the Mentally Needy
By Marilyn L. Brown Many beginning geometry students feel overwhelmed because this course is unlike any math course they have ever taken. The first thing to know before you even begin the course is this is not like any other math course you have taken before! Do not get confused by thinking that this course is just a math class about shapes. Geometry is a class in thinking step by step. Let's illustrate this type of thinking in life, imagine that you are thirsty. Normally you would just go get a drink. But thinking like a geometry student, you would approach the problem this way. First, analyze the feeling—I am thirsty. Next, discover the solution—A drink of water would solve the problem. Then, consider the steps needed to solve the problem. It should go something like this: I need to go to the kitchen.........Water is in the kitchen. I need a glass...........................A glass holds liquid for drinking. I must turn on the faucet...........Water is in the faucet. I must put the glass in When the glass is full, I may drink the water.................A drink of water solves thirst. Detailed step-by-step thinking leads to successful work in the higher maths and sciences. These subjects depend on analytical problem solving. This is the class that teaches this skill. You will indeed use shapes. Many students start this course expecting to identify and measure shapes. You will do that as a way to solve problems, called proofs. A proof is a problem written in two columns with each step of the solution listed in the left column and the reason it was used listed in the second. You will need to memorize every possible reason, called (depending upon type) definitions, postulates, theorems, and corollaries. These are given only a few at time. If you stay caught up with the memory work and pay attention to details, you can be a success at geometry. Want more geometry tips? Click here.
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