Head First 2D Geometry

116 Chapter 3

different geometry approaches

You can explore a geometry problem

in different ways

There’s more than one way to investigate a geometry problem,

and the choice of which one to go for is often about how your

own brain works rather than one being “better.”

Think about the

RULES in your

GEOMETRY

TOOLBOX.

IMAGINE what

would happen if.…

Use LOGIC to PROVE

something works or

doesn’t work.

2

Use a PENCIL and PAPER

Sketches can help you think, but an

accurate drawing can also show you

whether something is possible or impossible.

Add a ruler for

more accurate

drawings.

Grid paper gives you

a head start.

Your brain is amazing. Even

before you started to learn about

geometry, your brain could

already recognize symmetry

and special angles. But don’t

just think, use your imagination,

too. What if this shape was really

BIG? What if you turned it

upside down?

1

Use your BRAIN

you are here 4 117

the pythagorean theorem

3

4

Use the REAL WORLD

Use a COMPUTER MODEL

Geometry isn’t just important for your grades,

it’s what engineers and scientists rely on to make

buildings stand up and cars go around corners.

Use kids’ toys, a scrap piece of wood, or make

models out of cardboard to put your theories to

the test.

Geometry isn’t just an

idea—you can TOUCH

it, too!

If you’ve ever played a video or computer ...