Geometry & Physics: How Much Math Involves Geometry?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the relationship between geometry and physics, specifically addressing how much mathematical content in physics involves geometric concepts. Participants explore the implications of prior geometry performance on future physics studies, with a focus on high school-level physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about their past performance in geometry and questions how it may affect their upcoming physics studies.
  • Another participant suggests that improvement in geometry is possible and encourages a positive outlook on future studies in physics.
  • A different participant notes that the nature of the geometry class (proofs-based versus application-based) may influence the relevance of geometry in physics.
  • It is mentioned that high school physics is likely algebra-based and primarily involves solving systems of equations, with some reliance on vectors and trigonometry.
  • One participant highlights that while geometry is present in physics, it may not be as complex as the geometry learned in high school, particularly if the focus is on application rather than proofs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of geometry in physics and the impact of past performance on future learning. There is no consensus on how much geometry is necessary for success in physics.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference different types of geometry classes and their relevance to physics, but there is no resolution on the specific mathematical requirements for high school physics.

Who May Find This Useful

Students preparing for high school physics, educators discussing the role of geometry in physics education, and individuals interested in the interplay between mathematical skills and physics understanding.

austim14
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I did bad in geometry my sophomore yr of high school. Sr. Year I plan on taking physics. How much of physics math deals with geometry?
 
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austim14 said:
I did bad in geometry my sophomore yr of high school. Sr. Year I plan on taking physics. How much of physics math deals with geometry?

Do you see any reason why you could not improve your geometry?

If you really want to be in physics, you probably like geometry too. Maybe don't damn your future for something that happened in the past. Unsolicited opinion, I know, but food for thought?
 
I might depend on WHY you did bad.

Was your high school geometry class a proofs-based class (mine was)? If it was proofs-based I probably wouldn't worry much. If you later did well in something more mechanical and numerical (like perhaps your per-calculus class) I'd say you're ok. Physics will deal more with the application of geometry.

But if you struggle with things like sine versus cosine, etc... not good. You can probably, however, get some concise, summary-style book recommendations from someone on here to reteach yourself the basics.
 
Yea it was mostly proofs and I sucked at that.
 
Since it's high school physics, I'm assuming that it's algebra based physics.

Most of what you do will involve solving systems of equation (when you have multiple equations, and multiple variables).

You will have to deal with vectors, which involves the Pythagorean theorem, as well as trigonometry, but it's not terribly complicated geometry.
 

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