Because the relationship between geometry and algebra is the basis for my theory, and it makes for an easier, binary poll. If I started adding calculus and trigonometry, there would be 64 permutations, and the poll would be meaningless. To me, anyway.
I suppose I need some clarification as to what is meant by algebra and geometry, because I don’t really remember having either as a dedicated subject. I remember learning Euclidian geometry in 8th grade (doing proofs based on the Elements and derived postulates about similar triangles, parallel lines, etc.,), which involved no algebra, and was mainly used (in retrospect) as in introduction to the concept of a mathematical proof.
Then, after learning algebra (which I don’t recall being a subject unto itself), going on through 9th to 11th grade (or AP Calculus) using algebra to do what I would consider geometry on Cartesian planes, polar coordinates and revolutions of solids. And of course, trigonometry, which is what I really think of when I think of applied “geometry”.
I was good at algebra but hated geometry. I still got a good grade in it (because I was one of those overachieving types who couldn’t stand not getting an A in everything) but I had to work at it, which I really didn’t have to do that much with anything else. I voted “not good at geometry” because it took me a lot of effort to get the hang of it.
Voted the “other” option to add in calculus as well; I managed to be the guy everyone looked at when the teacher announced that the curve was small, as someone scored a 98 on the final.
I’m aware I’m bragging; it’s the one thing I’m really good at! Please let it slide!
I found algebra quite easy, although I found “showing my work” a bit tedious. Geometry entertained me sufficiently that I sometimes devised deliberately convoluted proofs for simple things, purely for my own amusement. (I had to do something to fill the time, and I wasn’t allowed to tutor others during class at that point.)
BTW, while I answered “I did fine at both in HS” (which is true), if the nature of the poll is to determine whether there are people who are mathematically visually inclined (spatial imaging) versus symbolically inclined, I fall into the latter camp. Once beyond the Euclidian types of problems I mostly tried to convert geometric problems into algebraic equations that I could then solve with symbol manipulation. My wife is just the opposite, she’s heavily visual and pictures all the objects and surfaces in her head and then maps it back to the necessary equations.
And FWIW 25 years later she’s the professor of mathematics (with a PhD in a branch of analytical geometry in fact), I’m the computer programmer.
There was absolutely nothing difficult or mysterious about high school math. I was an A+ student.
I completely fell apart in college when it came to advanced calculus though: not intuitive for me.
As I said in the inspiration thread: you don’t lose me until trig. Everything up to that point makes sense/is applicable to life.
I was very good at both - I was always in advanced classes - but didn’t particularly enjoy either, and became increasingly bored with rote memorization and mechanical problem-solving. I guess it’s fair to say I disliked algebra more. I quit taking math after Algebra II. It’s a shame, too; I really wish someone had pushed me to continue.
I’m now a computer programmer, and an artist in my spare time.
I am good at both although at that time I was better at geometry.
I found that the higher in math I got, the easier it got, until I got to Differential Equations. :: shudder ::
I am a Civil Engineer specializing in hydrology & hydraulics.
Ah yes. Diffy q was my bane as well. The first time I took it I bailed after the first test; I got a B, but had had to kill myself studying for it, and as I was studying for the second test it hit me that I was a freaking English major with a minor in econ, and thus had no need for it. But then a comely blonde of my acquaintance opined that I couldn’t possibly pass the class, and my manhood was sufficiently threatened that I had to take it again.
I was not good at algebra or geometry. I am good at accounting and digital logic and English.
I had an interesting experience in Grade 12 algebra; after 11 years of thinking I sucked at algebra, I finally had a teacher who made it make sense to me. It occurs to me that I’m not bad at algebra - I just need a different kind of teacher.
Same here. I coasted through all of school, all classes, and then hit my first ever academic brick wall when it came to algebra II. Algebra I was nearly as bad.
I actually dropped algebra II and took a second study hall. Lucky for me I didn’t need it.
I was good at algebra and good at geometry. Then I took (in high school) calculus which was too hard and I did not understand. I have since given up on math.
Um, by the standards of ‘average’ people, I was good at both. But in honour student or Doperland, not good. I passed every math class offered at the high school level, but I think I memorized the lessons more than understanding the actual math.
I’m a front-end web developer - my lack of math and logic skills are actually the reason I never went fully into programming.
I was good at both. However, I liked algebra and couldn’t stand geometry.
I also liked Algebra II and Pre-Calc, but hated Calculus (11th grade) and took AP Statistics the following year instead of Multi-Variable Calculus. My dad was very disappointed.
I’m now in a clinical program where they assume we all hate and suck at math. It pisses me off. Actually, I’m good at math and I like it, thanks very much. Just because YOU suck at it, don’t project it onto me.
Sort of. I was in absolute last place in the gifted program.
A in freshman algebra, C- in geometry, B+ in Algebra II, C+ in pre-calc
I got a 1.5 in Calc I both times I took it in college. Too much time had lapsed and I had forgotten too much to do well with it.
I teach high school English now and am looking at MBA programs.
I was good at both. I got As in all my high school math classes, right up through trig and calculus. However, I LOVED geometry.
Never took a math class in college and use math minimally in my working life.
I was excellent at geometry and very good at algebra. I majored in physics in college, so I had to take a lot of math there as well. Now I’m a software engineer. Once in a while I still have to use algebra, geometry, and trig in my work, but not calculus.