Customer Reviews

Geometry Workbook For Dummies

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"Geometry Workbook For Dummies" has two types of chapters. One type helps you construct geometric proofs and the other type has you solve geometric problems using algebra.

Most of the chapters that focus on proofs are very good. The only exception is Chapter 7 on similarity. That chapter presents very weak examples on how to prove similarity and use similarity in proofs. The author never really develops the notion of similarity with respect to how it is used in proofs. The author informs the reader that there are three ways to prove triangle similarity: AA, SAS~, and SSS~. Unfortunately, the author only demonstrates how to use AA to prove similarity.

Throughout most of the book the author is very good about being consistent in his use of theorems and definitions in proving two-column proofs. However, in chapter 7 problem #9 the author gives the reader a two-column proof but then solves it in a way that can best be described as hand-waving or cheating. Mathematically he is correct but the point is that the reader is supposed to learn how to prove things axiomatically. Not side step using definitions and theorems because it might take awhile. (He admits in step-2 of the solution that he is taking a short-cut because doing the problem properly would take too long.)

Other than the weakness of chapter 7, I would say that this is a pretty good introduction to geometry. It would also make a good supplement to a geometry course.

As a side note, the author has another book called "Geometry for Dummies". Don't buy that book. It has virtually the same text minus the problems for the reader to work out.

Simple and easy to follow - a great book to work through if you need to learn proofs. Excellent book to help you prepare for the CSET single subject mathematics exam!

I'm a home educator who is always looking for good curriculum. I am currently using "Geometry for Dummies" as well as a version of Euclid's Elements, but my kids were still having difficulty with proofs in general. Initially, I bought this book for the mixture of problems and proofs, but the layout of information (Postulates, Properties and Theorems) is easier for my kids to grasp too. Very well-arranged and a great addition to the other books I am using.

I recomend purchasing and going through the geometry for dummies first. This will only confuse you more if you don't already have a basic understanding. Once the basics are down, this is great practice.

With a full-time, private math tutoring practice, I enjoy the opportunity to help geometry students year-round. In the Summer, I help students who will be entering geometry, to get a head start on this course. The only materials I require them to use is the Geometry Workbook For Dummies, pencil, and straight edge. I like the way the author, Mark Ryan, presents the subject. Reading material is kept to a concise minimum, without sacrificing important concepts or details that students must know. This workbook has over 200 problems, with space provided for the student to work them out.

Students begin learning how to do two-column proofs in the very first chapter. Each chapter provides a nice mix of both proofs and problems for the student to solve, preceded by examples. Each problem comes with a diagram, given information, and sometimes hints. Some problems have an asterisk, which means they are more challenging than normal.

Answers and detailed solutions are provided at the end of each chapter. This is valuable study material which should not be overlooked. Some students find the cheat sheet helpful also, while they are still learning the important symbols, terms, concepts, and formulas. Unfortunately, it looks like the publisher, Wiley, has begun to phase out the cheat sheet, which was always provided at the front of each Dummies book. Instead, newer printings give you a link where the cheat sheet can be downloaded and printed from their website.

As an educator, this book allows me to cover many of the finer details of geometry, which teachers don't necessarily have the time to cover in the classroom. Consequently, these students are much better prepared, and the methodology of geometry proofs will not be a mystery to them. If students want more in-depth coverage of the topics presented, the regular Geometry For Dummies book, written by the same author, is a user-friendly resource.

remember how much fun you had discovering geometry in high school? well 50 years later it's as much fun as you remember. and for you younger folks--i promise you'll use it in every day life. and no, i'm not a teacher-of math or anything.

My daughter says this has been very helpful in providing her extra practice and another reference point for the parts she's not quite getting. The only "negative" would be having to purchase another book due to this one referencing the other.

My son was barely passing geometry and we were so worried. Actually we bought the Dummies book and the Tutor in a Book book (that I thought I had read about in a review right here). Anyway, my husband liked the yellow book, my son and I liked the blue book, and I had to share with the world that my son got an A on his test before last (trignometry?), and a B- on the last test. After fighting the geometry wars all year (a C- in first semester, a dear teacher who doesn't speak English as well as I'm sure she will in a year or two) we were all very happy.

This book does not explain very good in detail the concepts of geometry or algebraic equations. It is for an advanced person in mathmatics. I found the Abeka "PLAIN GEOMETRY" the best book for learning and teaching geometry. Don't waste your money on this book. I have both books for dummies workbook and text if anyone wants to buy for 1/2 price and they are new condition..Thanks....