Is Geometry Hard?

Geometry is one of the first math subjects that can throw students off. Even if a student typically excels at math, the visual nature of geometry is often enough to confuse them or make the subject seem trickier than it actually is. If that weren’t challenging enough, geometry is also when many students first encounter difficult subjects like proofs.

Despite these challenges, geometry is a required subject for most students, and it introduces several useful real-world skills, so it’s worth overcoming any hurdles. But is geometry hard? And what can you do to best prepare yourself?

Prepping for a Geometry Class

You can resolve many of the roadblocks that come with geometry thanks to adequate preparation. So before your first day in geometry, make sure you come ready with a good grasp of the following skills:

• Basic and advanced arithmetic
• Memorizing and understanding mathematical formulas
• Graphing
• Order of operations
• Writing and solving formulas
• Ratios and proportions
• Factoring

Most curriculums will ensure you’ve already taken algebra, which lays the groundwork for geometry in many ways. If you haven’t already taken algebra and you’re concerned about your success in geometry, make sure you speak with your counselor. If you have taken algebra and are still worried, take some time to give yourself a thorough refresher.

Is Geometry Hard?

Geometry can be tough for several reasons, but don’t be discouraged. It may help to understand where the difficulty lies so you can tackle your hurdles appropriately.

Visual Thinking

Geometry requires you to think visually. If you have natural spatial intelligence, this may come easy to you. If you don’t, then you might struggle with this topic. However, it is possible to shift from analytical to visual learning with a bit of practice.

Proofs

If you ask people what was most challenging in their geometry classes, most of them will have the same answer. Geometric proofs are a new, challenging concept for students, and it’s perfectly understandable that you may have a difficult time with these at first. In fact, some educators believe that proofs should be introduced long before high school geometry, in the hopes of preventing students from struggling with these while also attempting to master a new approach to mathematics.

At their core, proofs are nothing more than a list of statements and reasons that leads to a conclusion that something must be true. Put simply, they’re the explanations of why math works the way it does. You may have encountered something similar in the past, when teachers insisted that you show your work.

In geometry, you will need to understand the different kinds of proofs and apply them to your work where they are relevant.

Requirements for Mastering Geometry

It takes a balance of visual comprehension, logic, and advanced arithmetic skills in order to firmly grasp geometric concepts. However, these skills can all be learned with proper preparation and practice.

It’s important to do well in geometry so you can advance to courses you need to graduate and meet college admissions requirements. You can also apply skills you learn in geometry to different jobs or life tasks. If you need help mastering geometry, contact the team at Jantzi for more information on our academic tutoring services.