How Geometry Helps You Solve Everyday Problems
Since old times, geometry has been a part and parcel of human civilization. The advent of a wheel is also the experiments done by the early men with instruments to find something that will reduce friction. It was established as a subject by Euclid, the Father of Geometry. He derived from two words, ‘geo’ means earth and ‘metron’ means measurement. In this section, we will study the different uses of geometry in daily life. If we observe closely, we will find the application of geometry in day-to-day life. Keep on reading to find interesting facts about the uses of this remarkable mathematical subject and its uses in different domains.
Many students feel that Geometry is a challenging topic, while some even enjoy practising this subject. However, there are several reasons behind teaching Geometry to students from an early age and the most important reason of all is its use in day-to-day life. Therefore, the students must understand this concept well.
Vedantu also offers the students a complete guide on Geometry in daily life, from basics to advanced, and even clears the doubts of the students in a way that is comprehensible and understood. This guide helps students cement whatever they have studied firmly.
What is Geometry?
A significant part of mathematics, geometry is a domain where the features and traits of different shapes, sizes, diagrams, angles, positions, etc are studied and defined for the understanding of the academicians and students. It is an important part of mathematics that has been used in other subjects as well. Its existence can be tracked down to thousands of years back during the Egyptian civilization. The Indus Valley Civilization also showed the existence and use of geometry. They were the first to find and use the properties of obtuse triangles. Since the 6th Century BCE, the Greeks refined the concepts of geometry exponentially.
The natives of this civilization researched and found the existence of different types of shapes in nature. They also invented a few and found that the four-sided pyramid is extremely stable. A pyramid took decades to complete but is standing the test of time amidst an arid desert for thousands of years. If you observe very carefully, you will find the best examples of geometry in our daily life.
How did Geometry Evolve?
The existence of geometry can be traced back to the era of early men. At that time, this subject did not have any existence but the use of geometrical concepts can be witnessed from the fossils, ruins, and artefacts. The invention of the wheel is nothing but the application of the concept of a round object minimizing friction. This is one of the best 5 uses of geometry in our daily life. Even at this date, we find driving vehicles on a circular tire quite convenient. This is how geometry evolved and was recognized as a subject during the time of the Greek civilization.
The prime expansion of the geometrical segment of mathematics took place during the Greek civilization. Renowned mathematicians and philosophers such as Euclid, Thales, Archimedes, and Pythagoras explained the different aspects of geometry and established a platform for further innovations. The concepts we study relate to the application of geometry in daily life and the foundation has been developed over the years by these civilizations.
Thales proved many mathematical functions and relationships and constructed the base of geometry. Pythagoras established the fact that the sum of all the angles of a triangle will always result in 180 degrees. The name of the theorem that explains the relationship between a perpendicular, a base, and the hypotenuse of a right-angled triangle is named after him.
In the 3rd Century BCE, Euclid gave geometry a constructive base when he wrote books on different concepts. His book ‘The Elements of Geometry’ depicts how he laid out the exceptional foundation of different aspects of geometry that are being used to date. His concepts such as two points can be joined to give a straight line and the quality of all right angles is still used.
Benefits of Geometry in Daily Life for Students:
Geometry has several day-to-day implications and hence, it is necessary to learn for the students. Here are a few ways that highlight its significance-
Studying geometry provides the students with many foundational skills and helps them to build their logical thinking skills, deductive reasoning, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Thus, contributing to their holistic development.
Geometry as a concept allows the students to connect mapping objects in the classroom to the real-world contexts in respect to their direction and place developing their practical thinking.
Also, understanding spatial relationships are important in the role of problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) which Geometry allows students to learn.
It finds huge applications in the real world as it helps us in deciding which materials to use, which design to make, and even plays a vital role in the construction process itself. Thus, it is useful for the students.
5 Uses Geometry in our Daily Life
1. Construction of Buildings
The best use of geometry in daily life is the construction of buildings, dams, rivers, roads, temples, etc. For ages, geometry has been exceptionally used to make temples that hold the heritage of our country. Some of these famous temples are even counted as miraculous developments done by people with primitive instruments.
2. Computer Graphics
The audiovisual presentation in different segments such as education, entertainment, etc uses geometry as a part of the art and creativity. Computer graphics is a prime application of geometry in day-to-day life we can consider here. Smartphones, laptops, computers, etc are designed using geometrical concepts. The games we play also use geometry to find relevance between the distance and shapes of objects designed.
3. Art
Another excellent use of geometry is how artists use the concepts to design the best paintings and express their ideologies. The use of colours, brushes, and different strokes give birth to excellent artwork. Artists also design apparel, accessories, and other items we use. You can understand the importance of geometry in daily life.
4. Measuring Orbits and Planetary Motions
This concept is used by astronomers to track stars, measure the orbits and distance between planets and satellites. Scientists also measure the factors and set the path of satellites launched. This is one of the best applications of coordinate geometry in daily life.
5. Interior Design
The applications of coordinate geometry in daily life can also be found in interior design. Setting new items in an open space is done perfectly using the concepts of coordinate geometry.
FAQs on Geometry in Daily Life: Meaning, Uses & Practical Examples
1. What is the simplest way to understand the role of geometry in our daily lives?
Think of geometry as the study of shapes, sizes, and positions of objects. In daily life, it's simply the 'math' we use unconsciously to understand the world around us—from fitting boxes into a shelf to parking a car perfectly. It helps us make sense of space and the relationships between different objects.
2. What are some common examples of geometric shapes we see every day?
You can find geometric shapes almost everywhere you look. Here are a few common examples:
- The screen you are reading this on is a rectangle.
- A slice of pizza or cake is often a triangle or a sector.
- A football is a sphere.
- The face of a wall clock is a circle.
- A honeycomb is made of hexagons.
3. Why is it important for students to learn geometry?
Studying geometry is important because it builds foundational skills for both academic and real-life challenges. It develops logical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and spatial awareness. These skills are crucial for understanding more advanced topics in Maths and Science and are essential for many careers in fields like engineering, architecture, and technology.
4. How is geometry used in modern technology like video games or GPS navigation?
Geometry is at the heart of much of our modern technology. In video games, developers use 3D geometry to create realistic characters, environments, and movements. For GPS navigation, geometry is used to calculate the shortest routes, estimate travel times, and pinpoint your exact location on a map using a process called triangulation.
5. What are some professions that rely heavily on geometry?
Many professionals use geometry every day to do their jobs effectively. Some key examples include:
- Architects and Engineers who design buildings and structures.
- Animators and Game Developers who create digital worlds.
- Interior Designers who plan the layout of spaces.
- Land Surveyors who measure and map out land.
- Fashion Designers who create patterns for clothing.
6. How does understanding simple concepts like angles and lines help in sports?
Understanding angles and lines, even intuitively, is crucial in sports. For instance, a basketball player calculates the arc and angle to shoot a hoop. A football player judges the angle to pass the ball accurately to a teammate. In cricket, a bowler uses geometric principles to predict the ball's trajectory after it bounces.
7. What is the main difference between 2D and 3D geometry in real-world objects?
The main difference is dimension. 2D (two-dimensional) shapes are flat and only have length and width, like a photograph or a drawing on paper. 3D (three-dimensional) objects have length, width, and depth, meaning they have volume and exist in the physical world. For example, a drawing of a cube is 2D, but an actual dice is a 3D object.
8. Beyond man-made objects, how do geometric concepts like symmetry and patterns appear in nature?
Nature is filled with beautiful examples of geometry. Symmetry can be seen in the wings of a butterfly or the petals of a flower. You can find intricate patterns like the spiral shape of a seashell, the branching of trees, and the hexagonal structure of a snowflake. These natural designs are efficient and follow mathematical principles.
