Geometry: Difference between revisions
imported>Aleksander Stos mNo edit summary |
imported>Anthony Argyriou (minor changes at top, begin a very bare history) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
In common parlance, '''geometry''' is a branch of mathematics that studies the relationships between figures such as e.g. [[point (geometry)|points]], [[line (geometry)|lines]], | In common parlance, '''geometry''' is a branch of mathematics that studies the relationships between figures such as e.g. [[point (geometry)|points]], [[line (geometry)|lines]], [[polygon]]s, [[solids]]s, [[vector]]s, [[surface (geometry)|surfaces]] and others in a space, such as [[plane]], a higher dimensional Euclidean space, a sphere or other [[non-Euclidian space]], or more generally, a [[manifold]]. | ||
As a mathematical term, '''geometry''' refers to either the spatial ([[metric]]) properties of a given space or, more specifically in [[differential geometry]], a given complete locally homogeneous Riemannian manifold. | As a mathematical term, '''geometry''' refers to either the spatial ([[metric]]) properties of a given space or, more specifically in [[differential geometry]], a given complete locally homogeneous Riemannian manifold. | ||
==History of Geometry== | |||
The ancient Greeks developed the structure of geometry as it is currently known, including the use of mathematical [[proof]]s to demonstrate [[theorem]]s, and distinguishing between [[axiom]]s, definitions, and [[theorem]]s. [[Euclid]], a Greek mathematician living in [[Alexandria]] about 300 BC wrote a 13-volume book of geometry titled ''The Elements'' (''Στοιχεῖα''), which set forth in a structured way the geometrical knowledge of the Greeks. | |||
[[Category:Mathematics Workgroup]] | [[Category:Mathematics Workgroup]] | ||
[[Category:CZ Live]] | [[Category:CZ Live]] | ||
Revision as of 18:57, 21 April 2007
In common parlance, geometry is a branch of mathematics that studies the relationships between figures such as e.g. points, lines, polygons, solidss, vectors, surfaces and others in a space, such as plane, a higher dimensional Euclidean space, a sphere or other non-Euclidian space, or more generally, a manifold.
As a mathematical term, geometry refers to either the spatial (metric) properties of a given space or, more specifically in differential geometry, a given complete locally homogeneous Riemannian manifold.
History of Geometry
The ancient Greeks developed the structure of geometry as it is currently known, including the use of mathematical proofs to demonstrate theorems, and distinguishing between axioms, definitions, and theorems. Euclid, a Greek mathematician living in Alexandria about 300 BC wrote a 13-volume book of geometry titled The Elements (Στοιχεῖα), which set forth in a structured way the geometrical knowledge of the Greeks.