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Geometry Basics Review

Sep 5, 2025

Overview

This lecture is a comprehensive review of Unit 1: Basics of Geometry, covering essential concepts, formulas, problem-solving strategies, and logical statements needed for the first test.

Partitioning and Segment Formulas

  • To partition a line in a given ratio, use: ( \left( \frac{a x_1 + b x_2}{a + b}, \frac{a y_1 + b y_2}{a + b} \right) ), where (a:b) is the ratio.
  • The numerator and denominator of the ratio become (a) and (b), respectively.
  • For midpoints, set (a = b = 1); formula simplifies to the average of coordinates.

Segment Addition and Midpoint Problems

  • Segment Addition Postulate: (AB + BC = AC).
  • If a point is a midpoint, set segment expressions equal to solve for variables.
  • To find unknown endpoint given a midpoint, set up midpoint formula and solve for the missing coordinate.

Distance Formula

  • The formula is ( \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} ).
  • Use Pythagorean Theorem for horizontal and vertical lines, or when coordinate grid is absent.
  • Always reduce answers to the nearest tenth if required.

Perimeter and Area Calculations

  • Perimeter: sum all sides (units in one dimension, e.g., cm).
  • Area of a square: (s^2); area of a rectangle: (l \times w).
  • Area and circumference of circle: (A = \pi r^2), (C = 2\pi r) or (C = \pi d).
  • Always use squared units for area.

Angle Measures and Postulates

  • Angle Addition Postulate: sum of adjacent angles equals the whole angle.
  • Complementary angles add up to (90^\circ); supplementary angles add to (180^\circ).
  • Set algebraic angle expressions equal if tick marks/arcs indicate congruence.

Logical Statements in Geometry

  • Conditional: “If...then...” statements (hypothesis after "if", conclusion after "then").
  • Converse: flip the conditional statement.
  • Biconditional includes “if and only if” (iff) when both conditional and converse are true.
  • Counterexample shows a conditional is false.

Application and Higher Order Problems

  • For quadratic equations in geometry, combine like terms, set equal to zero, and factor (sometimes using grouping or calculator tricks).
  • Plug solutions back into original expressions to check for valid segment lengths.
  • When solving systems with fractions, clear denominators before combining terms.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Partition Point — A point dividing a segment into a given ratio between two endpoints.
  • Midpoint — The point equidistant from both endpoints of a segment.
  • Distance Formula — Calculates the length between two points in the plane.
  • Segment Addition Postulate — Sum of parts equals the whole segment.
  • Complementary Angles — Two angles with measures summing to (90^\circ).
  • Supplementary Angles — Two angles with measures summing to (180^\circ).
  • Conditional Statement — An “if...then...” logical statement in geometry.
  • Converse — The statement formed by reversing hypothesis and conclusion of a conditional.
  • Biconditional Statement — A statement true both ways, written as “if and only if”.
  • Counterexample — An example disproving a conditional statement.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review and memorize key formulas (partition, midpoint, distance, area, perimeter, circle).
  • Practice applying postulates and logical statements to new problems.
  • Complete assigned problems from the unit review.
  • Double-check answers by plugging solutions back into original equations.