At the secondary school level, geometry is better known as Euclidean geometry and is defined as the study of plane relationships. It begins with a set of ten axioms and common notions upon which is built a comprehensive system that is both deductive and logical. At present, at least 18 axioms or assumptions which cannot be proven but must be accepted as truth are identified. Dozens of theorems have been 'proved' by using the basic axioms.
Although the definitive textbook on geometry was written by Greek mathematician Euclid about 300 before the time of Christ, it remains the basis, not only for geometry but for much of the modern numbers system. Although Euclid did not originate some of the concepts, he was the first to present them in a logical structured format. In addition to geometric functions, Euclid also wrote on the number theory and three-dimensional geometry.
Euclid's Elements has a beauty of structure and logical reasoning which has been displayed and followed for 24 centuries and has been translated into dozens of languages. Although the structure of geometry is the main focus of the book, the presentation of principles went far beyond the study of geometry and affected the study of most if not all future disciplines associated with mathematics.
Further studies of the work have revealed that no matter how carefully structured the geometry basis used; it makes some assumptions which are not proven using the format developed. The other problem with Euclidean geometry is that it applies cleanly where the spaces are homogeneous, but does not apply so well where more than three dimensions are existent. Some of the geometry dimensions go as high as Dimension 10 or Dimension 11.
Euclidean geometry as taught in secondary schools is helpful in developing structured thinking and following logical principles. Understanding the concepts of thinking logically and drawing conclusions from given principles or facts can be useful in every field of life. This is the basis of inductive reasoning.
Traditional geometry has used compasses, protractor and ruler as the tools to proceed with the experiments which formed the basis of the science. The interesting aspect of geometry is that it was originally developed from many experiments where certain facts became apparent. After countless measurements with the same results, some generalizations could be drawn. However the basis of geometry is not the measurement, but the inductive reasoning, which starts with the basic concept that a point has no dimensions, a line has one dimension, a plane has two dimensions and a solid has three dimensions.
Inductive reasoning depends on measurement and observation neither of which is necessarily absolutely accurate. Because measurements, no matter how many are taken will never eliminate any possibility of a variance to the concept being developed, a conclusion is usually reached before all possible cases have been studied.
This is the basis of the study of geometry. Based on measurements, inductive reasoning is used to draw conclusions about every possible case. Then by building on basic axioms, statements of probabilities can be defined which are known as theorems.
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A




Weird Insect Organs
By: Kasan Groupe | 31/12/2009Insects are weird.
StudentScholarships.org - Going to Animation School
By: Drew Backley | 31/12/2009Now that I have graduated I still constantly teach myself new techniques. But currently I run into the biggest challenge I have yet to face. I have been accepted to a very high level animation college and everything is almost set to go. There is one problem. With the high amount of the tuition that is needed I will need a lot of help to achieve my ultimate dream to one day owning my own studio and becoming a great film maker.
StudentScholarships.org - Selecting my College Major is a huge decision
By: Drew Backley | 31/12/2009The most important choice that I will or have to make in order to be happy and successful is the one of what I want to do in my life, my major. Nowadays, many young people are negatively influenced or even forced by their parents to do something that they do not really like.
Qualities Needed to Become a Police Officer
By: Tobay Dytham Swifft | 31/12/2009There are many different reasons why somebody may chose to join the police force and many different qualities needed to become a police officer. The requirements are very tight for a very good reason and the safety and lives of the public are on the shoulders of the police.
Famous GED Achievers
By: Michael Ormsby | 31/12/2009ABC News anchor Peter Jennings. Actor and comedian Chris Rock. Sanjaya Malaker, the popular singer from American Idol. Judge Greg Mathis. What do these people have in common, besides being famous and respected? None of them finished high school, and they all earned their GED.
Where Can I Apply For Free Scholarships - Up To $30,000 Can Be Yours To Use To Go Back To School If You Know Where To Look
By: Jade Philips | 31/12/2009For countless potential students out there their dreams of getting a better education and improving their lives is most times put off due to the lack of the money needed to pay for their continued education. One thing they ask themselves is "Where can I apply for free scholarships?" Well, there are several different services out there, but you need to know where to start looking. That's where I can help.
3 Ways to Stretch Your Dollar at College
By: Tom Tessin | 31/12/2009Whether you're attending college today, or maybe you've already been in college for a few years, you're going to find out that it's not cheap! Now that you're out of your parent's house, you're probably valuing the dollar a lot more than you did before. What you're going to find...
2 Steps to a Cheap Textbook
By: Tom Tessin | 31/12/2009Everyone needs textbooks when they go to college. If you're one of the few that don't need one, and are lucky enough to gather your information on the Internet, than that's great! You're already on the path to saving a lot of money. What I want to point out today...
Why my Kids Are Always Looking For Statistics Homework Help?
By: Robert Duval | 16/11/2009 | EducationI have two kids in college age, and I frequently see them pretty upset and frustrated, and the reason is usually the same: they are late with their statistics homework. They have managed to navigate through the college maze fairly successfully, until they stumble to anything that looks like math....
Everything's a Math Problem
By: Robert Duval | 28/05/2009 | Online EducationIn this article I go over the conceptualization regarding math problems and how to approach them.
Calculus Help
By: Robert Duval | 28/05/2009 | EducationIn this article we discuss the essential requirements to succesfully go over a calculus course
Algebra Homework Help
By: Robert Duval | 28/05/2009 | Online EducationIn this brief article, we discuss the necessity of review of the high school program for math
Math Problems
By: Robert Duval | 28/05/2009 | TutoringOn this article, we shortly go over the challenges to be solved in order to have a more efficient educational system
Statistical Analysis To improve Your Performance
By: Robert Duval | 28/05/2009 | Online EducationIn this brief article we present the main elements involved in getting the maximum power from the use of statistical analysis.
Teaching Your Kid to Get the Right Math Answers
By: Robert Duval | 15/11/2008 | EducationEvery other child has to struggle to get the right math answers. Math is difficult for most children. However, there are proven ways to help children overcome difficulties in math. Prepare yourself early on. Try to start math learning as early as possible. Your child may be a math wiz, he...
The Many Benefits of Free Math Worksheets
By: Robert Duval | 15/11/2008 | EducationIf you are a parent, free math worksheets are heaven sent! They allow you to help your kids practice their math without too much effort on your part. If you closely follow up on your child's education, preparing your child for a math test can be tough. However, this has recently...