Having trouble with geometry? Do Pi, The Pythagorean Theorem, and angle calculations just make your head spin? Relax. With Head First 2D Geometry, you'll master everything from triangles, quads and polygons to the time-saving secrets of similar and congruent angles -- and it'll be quick, painless, and fun. Through entertaining stories and practical examples from the world around you, this book takes you beyond boring problems. You'll actually use what you learn to make real-life decisions, like using angles and parallel lines to crack a mysterious CSI case. Put geometry to work for you, and nail your class exams along the way. We think your time is too valuable to waste struggling with new concepts. Using the latest research in cognitive science and learning theory to craft a multi-sensory learning experience, Head First 2D Geometry uses a visually-rich format designed for the way your brain works, not a text-heavy approach that puts you to sleep.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 2 Ratings

A quick note from one of the authors - 2009-12-07
Reviewer Rating:
Just to pick up on the previous review, the reviewer is correct that this book isn't focussed on geometry proofs in the formal sense.

Instead, it aims to be a stepping stone for learners, moving them across that big scary jump between simply learning formulas and plugging your numbers in, and creating formal geometry proofs.

In Head First 2D Geometry, the learner - not the author - creates the formulas that they need to solve challenging problems. By going through the process of discovering those formulas for themselves we believe learners develop a deeper and more confident understanding of how geometry works, putting them in the right place to move on to formal proofs.

If you're one of those students who didn't struggle until you hit geometry proofs, this book should help you over that hurdle. If you were already confused by the time you hit 'Pi' or if you're new to circle formulas, quads and polygons then Head First 2D Geometry is waiting to be your guide. If you need geometry to apply to your programming or design work, you're our learner too.

Like all Head First books, this is a book that will help you to think differently, and targets your brain rather than focussing directly on your exam grade. Head First 3D Geometry (which includes Trig) and Head First Geometry Proofs will both be coming out in 2010. If you're a Head First 2D Geometry reader and you're moving your new skills into proofs, please do come and talk to us at[...] - the more we know about what you find difficult the better our books become.

[Hmm... I can't submit unless I rate the item - so obviously I'm giving it 5 stars - but I don't expect anyone to take my rating at face value!]

This book is not about proofs - 2009-12-06
Reviewer Rating:
Since the average student of geometry is having problems performing the proofs which make up the largest portion of any geometry course, I'd say that most high school and college geometry students will not get that much out of this book. Most geometry students easily grasp how to make geometric calculations, what they can't do is formally prove why those calculations are correct.

However, if you are a technician and you need to learn how to solve problems using geometry and think geometrically, this is a very good book, and that is why I give it five stars. The table of contents are:

Chapter 1. Finding Missing Angles
Chapter 2. Similarity and Congruence
Chapter 3. The Pythagorean Theorem
Chapter 4. Triangle Properties
Chapter 5. Circles
Chapter 6. Quadrilaterals
Chapter 7. Regular Polygons

O'Reilly plans to publish a similar practitioner's book on 3D geometry and eventually print still another Head First book on those who need to learn how to perform proofs in geometry.

If you've never seen the Head First series of books before, they are completely different from conventional textbooks. They use pictures, fake interview sessions, Q&A sessions, and even crossword puzzles to help you understand concepts. They'll even set you down the wrong path to solving a problem just to help you remember the right path better. This approach works particularly well for something as visual as geometry. Highly recommended for the practitioner and technician, but not the student of geometric proofs.

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