Gaining Geometry Knowledge to Books for the New Learner

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding suitable geometry books for new learners, particularly those who are struggling with the concepts presented in "The Elements." Participants share recommendations for easier texts and discuss the availability of geometry courses at the college level.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in understanding "The Elements" and seeks recommendations for more basic geometry books.
  • Another participant suggests that any high school textbook on plane geometry should suffice for foundational knowledge.
  • A different participant mentions the possibility of finding used geometry textbooks, recommending the author Jurgennson, and notes that college-level geometry courses often mirror high school content but at a faster pace.
  • One participant shares their experience using two specific books for a college-level Euclidean geometry course, highlighting the elementary nature of one and the advanced nature of the other, which is closely linked to "The Elements."
  • It is noted that Euclidean geometry can present complex problems, potentially at a PhD level, indicating the depth of the subject.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need for foundational geometry texts, but there are differing opinions on the necessity and availability of college-level geometry courses.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the challenge of finding appropriate textbooks and the varying levels of complexity in geometry, which may depend on individual learning needs and backgrounds.

Who May Find This Useful

New learners in geometry, educators seeking teaching resources, and individuals interested in self-study of geometry concepts.

Molok
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So I decided to buy the book The Elements because i couldn't pass the offer up(for $10, can you believe that?) and there is a few things in there that I can't understand, so could anyone recommend some easier more basic geometry books that I could learn from to give me the basis for what i need to know to understand this geometry.
 
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any high school textbook on plane geometry should be sufficient. the funny thing is i would love to take a class in it in college but it doesn't seem like something taught at the college level.
 
Molok said:
So I decided to buy the book The Elements because i couldn't pass the offer up(for $10, can you believe that?) and there is a few things in there that I can't understand, so could anyone recommend some easier more basic geometry books that I could learn from to give me the basis for what i need to know to understand this geometry.
You can find a used Geometry textbook at some used book sales and community used book sources, although finding used Geometry books that way is sometimes not easy. A good author name to look for is Jurgennson. You could also look in a textbook catalog for a modern book.

You probably can skip attending a college course,but just study from the book on your own. Geometry as the college preparatory one taught in high schools is often taught in community colleges as a remedial course - the same as what is taught in a high school, but at a faster pace. Expect this course to NOT be taught in a regular undergraduate college.
 
Thanks I'll look into that.
 
i am using two books in my college level euclidean geometry course, one is very elementary, geometry for the classroom, by clemens and clemens, and more advanced is geometry: euclid and beyiond, by hartshorne, for his college level geometry course at uc berkeley. hartshoirne is closely linked with the elements, and helps wonderfully in understanding that great work.

euclidean geometry is not as easy as one might think, indeed there are possible phd level problems in the subject.
 

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