Euclidean VS Non-Euclidean Geometry

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Euclidean Geometry is a type of geometry created about 2400 years ago by the Greek mathematician, Euclid. Euclid studied points, lines and planes. The discoveries he made were organized into different theorems, postulates, definitions, and axioms. The ideas came up with were all written down in a set of books called Elements. Not only did Euclid state his ideas in Elements, but he proved them as well. Once he had one idea proven, Euclid would prove another idea that would have to be true based on what he had just discovered. Euclid was the first person to create this type of mathematical deduction. Out of all the mathematical discoveries Euclid made, one of the most famous would have to be the parallel postulate. The parallel postulate states that there is only one line that can be drawn through a point so that is parallel to another line not containing that point. To this day, the ideas that Euclid proposed are still relevant and taught in classrooms everywhere.
Non-Euclidean Geometry is any type of geometry that is different from Euclidean Geometry. It contains a postulate (axiom), which is equivalent to the negation of the Euclidean parallel postulate, and usually involves a consistent system of definitions, assumptions, and proofs that describe objects such as points, lines and planes. It can also be defined as the study of shapes and constructions that do not map directly onto any n-dimensional Euclidean system. There are many different forms of it, including spherical geometry and hyperbolic geometry, which are the most common two. The main difference between Euclidean geometry and all non-Euclidean geometries is the nature of parallel lines, as non-Euclidean geometry does not follow the parallel postulate.
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Bogomolny, Alexander. "Non-Euclidean Geometrie." Cut the Knot. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2014. .
Castellanos, Joel. "3: What Is Non-Euclidean Geometry." NonEuclid: 1: Non-Euclidean Geometry. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2014. .
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Roberts, Donna. "Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry." Euclidean and Non-Euclidean Geometry. Oswego City School District Regents Exam Prep Center, n.d. Web. 21 May 2014. .

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