Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Geometry Software.

Ratings

Teaching Tools

A good product takes advantage of a variety of teaching tools to impart geometry knowledge including text information with visuals as well as quizzes and games.

Topics Covered

Geometry programs should introduce all basic concepts such as area, volume and angles as well as some advanced concepts such as proofs, theorems and logic.

Ease of Use/Homework Help

All software should be well organized and easy to use, so you can easily find information, such as homework help. We tested every product with a basic geometry homework problem and evaluated if the product could help solve the problem, the quality of the information and how quickly it could be found.

Help/Documentation

Sometimes problems do occur and good product support is paramount. An exceptional product not only includes inter-program help but also online information and methods of direct contact such as by telephone or email.

Teaching Tools

Quizzes/ Exercises

Many programs offer quizzes or exercises to test geometry terminology or problem solving skills to evaluate progress.

Games

Programs should offer more than a textbook, some products go beyond text to offer entertaining and educational games to further challenge students.

Increasing Level of Difficulty

A flexible program offers a wide range of content from beginning concepts to advanced problem solving or from basic math to calculus.

Exams/Tests

Different from a quiz, which usually explains answers or offers hints, tests are "closed book" so to speak, and test the student's ability.

Evaluation

This short test can quickly determine the student's knowledge and suggest areas of study or where to begin in the program.

Formula Quick Reference

For the purpose of this review, this is how fast or easy it is to find a formula. Often formulas can be found quickly in a glossary or other reference section. Easy access to formulas is a good homework helper.

Full Explanation of Answers

Instead of just relating an answer to a particular problem, the program offers a step-by-step explanation of how the problem is solved.

Video

Some programs offer video instruction.

Audio

Many programs offer audible instruction or include sound with their games or interactive tools.

Glossary

An alphabetized list of terminology with definitions.

Creates Graphs/Visuals

Some programs contain interactive tools that enable students to create their own geometric drawings or graphics.

Photographs

Images of "real life" structures that exhibit geometric properties.

Text Instruction

The geometry software offers instruction that is read, similar to a textbook.

Home Work Help

This unique feature was only found in the Microsoft product, this is online assistance, through a help section, for homework questions.

Progress Tracker

A device that monitors the student's progress through the program.

Animations

Non-static drawings that relate geometric properties through animations.

Word Problems

Many students have trouble with word problems, which are written math problems as opposed to an equation with just numbers. It is helpful if a program includes word problems to help students formulate mathematical equations from information presented.

Extra Features

Calculator

An inter-program calculator or quick access to the Microsoft calculator is a convenient feature offered by many programs.

Additional Online Resources

Some programs offer additional content online like games, study questions or links to helpful math sites.

Electronic Protractor

Protractors are often used in geometry to measure angles; some programs include an electronic version that can be used inside the program.

Topics Covered

Angle Names/ Markings/ Notations

In order to interpret geometry drawings the student must understand the markings, this is usually one of the first concepts taught in beginning geometry.

Area

Generally, the surface area contained within a set of lines or other parameters such as a circle.

Circles

A closed plane curve in which every point is equidistant from a fixed point within the curve.

Cones

A solid bounded by a circular or other closed plane base and the surface formed by line segments joining every point of the boundary of the base to a common vertex, a pointed object with a round base.

Geometry History

An interesting program not only introduces concepts but also who formulated them, such as information on Pythagoras, who is considered one of the first mathematicians, of whom the Pythagorean Theorem is named after.

Graphing

Many geometry functions can be related in a 2D or 3D graph, in planes of X, Y and Z. In order to understand or formulate graphs, most programs will teach students how to use, interpret and plot graphs.

Non-Euclidian Geometry

Geometry that is not in accordance with the postulates of Euclid's Elements.

Perimeter

The boundary of a closed plane, for example a square with sides of 10 inches each has a perimeter of 40 inches.

Points and Lines

Basic geometry concepts, points are fixed and zero dimensional, lines are rows that extend in opposite directions.

Polygons

A closed two-dimensional figure formed by the joining of three or more straight lines, includes pentagons, octagons, triangles and quadrilaterals.

Proofs

An argument formulated to demonstrate the validity of a mathematical assertion.

Reasoning/Logic

Concerns the principles of valid reasoning and argument.

Right Triangles

A triangle, in which angle A is 90 degrees.

Similarity and Ratios

Relationship between 2D or 3D figures with the same shape but not necessarily the same size. Congruence is a related topic.

Solids

3D figure including the enclosed volume.

Special Cases

Unique geometric shapes with unique properties and exceptions.

Terminology

A useful program covers all basic geometry terms in a quickly assessable format.

Theorems

A proposition or formula in mathematics or logic provable from a set of postulates and basic assumptions.

Translations/Transformation

Transformation of coordinates in which the new axes are parallel to the original or operation of changing one configuration or expression into another in accordance with a mathematical rule, especially a change of variables or coordinates in which a function of new variables or coordinates is substituted for each original variable or coordinate.

Triangles

A three sided polygon.

Support / Documentation

Product Manual/ Help

A good product includes an inter-program user guide or a downloadable manual that explains how to use the product. It is also helpful if the program includes a help section that covers major topics and an index.

Tutorials/ How to's

A tutorial presented in the program or through the manufactures website, is a step-by-step guide to using a particular feature.

Phone Support

Some companies offer technical or customer support during posted business hours by telephone.

Email Address/Online Form

All companies offer either an email address or online form for sending inquiries. Exceptional product support responds to email quickly.

FAQs

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section, usually posted online, answers commonly asked questions.

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