Elementary Geometry (Oxford Science Publications Physics; 85; Oxford Science Pubn)

The geometry of two and three dimensional space has long been studied for its own sake, but its results also underlie modern developments in fields as diverse as linear algebra, quantum physics, and number theory. This text is a careful introduction to Euclidean geometry that emphasizes its connections with other subjects. Glimpses of more advanced topics in pure mathematics are balanced by a straightforward treatment of the geometry needed for mechanics and classical applied mathematics. The exposition is based on vector methods; an introductory chapter relates these methods to the more classical axiomatic approach. The text is suitable for undergraduate courses in geometry and will be useful supplementary reading for students of mechanics and mathematical methods.