Schaum's Outline of Geometry

This book condenses out the fluff from a typical textbook, and details solution methods for almost every conceivable problem. The price is a STEAL compared to hundred-dollar textbooks. If you are struggling, or if you want a great book to use before that big test, you have to get this book. I'm getting all A's on my Geometry tests now, and their concise explanations helped solidify new concepts.

The thing I like about the Schaum's series is that they don't try to be your friend. If you're going to try to sit down to learn something intricate like geometry, you've got some serious work to do, and the sooner you get to it the better. To this end, there are no pictures in the book, no blurbs on famous geometers or famous applications of geometry. No, this is a book for motivated, adult learners. You've got your explanations, your worked examples, and then tons of exercises with answers to all of them in the back of the book - not just the odd. The thing I like about this book, now in its third edition, is that it takes an example-exercise approach to geometry, rather than forcing you to memorize postulates. Even if your teacher is the most entertaining guy in the world, you're still going to have a lot of tedious work to do if you plan on mastering geometry. The way this book is laid out is an accurate reflection of that. The first two chapters, by the way, is a review of basic algebra.

This is a great way to reivew principles and then use the problems for additional practice. Some problems are fully worked, others have only the answer listed. Great addition for someone who learns best by doing problems.

This book is suitable for high school or first year college students who have to take geometry. It is a no-frills, basics package that all students can master, if they take the time. I agree with the previous reviewer that students should make flash cards of definitions and theorems, but doing problems simultaneously, section-by-section, will not hurt. For students, this is a good book to practice basic math study skills: (1) predict what you are going to learn by skimming, (2) survey the material, (3) question the material (what do I not know now?) (4) read (no more than 45 minutes at a setting -- or you'll get a brain cramp), (5) recite (from your outline and flash cards, and (6) review and prepare for your test. This book is well written but for new geometry students, it can be pretty dense, so you should practice reading and concentrating every day, up to 45 minutes at a setting. I found two problems with the book: (1) It says on the cover that it covers "solid" geometry. It does not. All the geometry is in 2 dimensions. (2) It says that it covers analytic geometry. It touches analytic geometry only peripherally. Good luck!

This is not only the best elementary geometry (and related subjects) outline, but also the best text in its field, in my opinion. The student will find as many theorems and definitions as in very long and detailed texts, presented much more concisely and in a much more organized fashion here in categories that are easily understood. As with my review of Schaum's algebra, I recommend strongly that the student make flash cards from Schaum's theorems and definitions before trying to work out or even read the numerous solved problems by themselves. Close to 95% of students, in my opinion, make the mistake of doing massive amounts of geometry problems and homework before learning what the theorems and definitions say. This is like trying to learn to play the violin by playing symphonies before one knows how to move the bow and fingers, and is probably the main cause of middle school, high school, and college elementary geometry failure.