Why Geometry Feels Difficult Compared to Algebra? 

The Emotional Hook

• Why is Geometry the Ultimate Math Villain? 

• ​Why We Understand x + y = z, but Get Lost at the First Triangle?

• ​Why Our Brain Hates Visual Math More Than Abstract Algebra?

Opening

Some subjects look difficult…

Some feel difficult…

But Geometry is that one topic which creates a strange distance in the hearts of many learners.

Despite clean diagrams and clear logic, the fear remains. Why

This question has lived within me for years — and today I share my heartfelt understanding.

Bright Light on the Topic

I personally believe our brain stores information in two different rooms:

One room holds pictures, diagrams, shapes, visual memories,

The other room holds words, formulas, steps, instructions.

Geometry demands both rooms to open at the same time, while Algebra mostly lives in the written room.

That is why even a small distraction closes one door — and Geometry suddenly looks scary.

Algebra follows a straight road.

Geometry asks you to walk, look around, observe, imagine, compare, connect, conclude.

Not everyone has the patience to take that walk.

Real Incidents

I have taught Geometry for many years.

I’ve seen bright students freeze at diagrams and theorems.

One of the driest topics for grade 9 ICSE learners is — Area Theorems.

Most of them dislike it even before opening the textbook. Strange… but true.

Once, while teaching Congruency, all students drew perfect diagrams exactly like board work.

But when I checked notebooks —

none of the students had written the steps.

Only diagrams, no reasoning.

It was clear:

They were seeing Geometry…

But they were not reading Geometry.

One day, a child openly said,

"Sir, I don’t understand anything in this chapter."

Many teachers might ignore such voices…

But I accepted the challenge.

The problem was a simple yet layered sum:

A rectangle with length and diagonal given…

A parallelogram constructed on that diagonal…

Find its area.

Even reading the question can make many learners sleepy.

Not because the topic is difficult —

but because their eyes see the figure,

and their mind refuses to read the words carefully.

I broke the problem into pieces:

“How many figures do you see?”

“Three.”

“Name them.”

“Rectangle, triangle, parallelogram.”

“Good. Now… which area can you find first?”

Silence.

“Formula for area of triangle?”

“½ × base × height.”

“Height given?”

“No.”

“Can we find it?”

“Yes… using Pythagoras.”

“Perfect. Now connect the triangle and parallelogram.”

“Their areas are related… parallelogram is double the triangle.”

“Excellent. Now do it.”

And the magic happened —

The child who once hated Geometry fell in love with it.

Math becomes interesting only when treated with respect, honesty, and truthfulness.

Children sense our sincerity more than our words.

Reflections

Geometry is not difficult.

It is ignored, misread, and sometimes feared.

Its beauty lies in connection, imagination, patience, and method.

But our learners rush…

They want quick answers without reading, observing, or exploring.

The mind that opens slowly…

Learns deeply.

Takeaways

• Geometry requires dual focus — visual + verbal.

• Students must be trained to read diagrams, not only draw them.

• Breaking problems into small, clear steps builds confidence.

• Encouragement during difficulty can transform fear into love.

• A teacher’s sincerity creates more impact than any textbook explanation.

From the Desk of the Author

I share this not as a Math teacher…

but as a lifelong learner who is still learning how children think.

I have witnessed that no child hates Mathematics.

They only hate the confusion attached to it.

Once confusion is removed,

clarity becomes joy…

and joy becomes mastery.

If Geometry receives a little patience,

it becomes the most artistic branch of Mathematics.

An Appeal to Learners and Parents

Dear learners,

don’t run away from diagrams —

they hold stories waiting to be discovered.

Dear parents,

don’t label your child “weak in Geometry.”

Give them time, space, and gentle guidance.

Understanding grows slowly…

but beautifully.

Disclaimer

This write-up is purely for educational and motivational purposes.

The examples and experiences shared are meant to inspire learners and teachers.

They do not reflect any criticism of institutions, individuals, or management.

My current school remains a place of immense learning, support, and professional growth.

— Rakesh Kushwaha

Mathivation HUB

"Where Math meets Motivation."