Euclid’s Geometry (History) MCQs Quiz | Class 9

Practice this Class IX Mathematics (Code 041) quiz on Unit IV: Geometry. This session covers the history of Euclid’s Geometry, focusing on Euclid, his famous work ‘Elements’, and his significance in mathematics. Solve these 10 MCQs to test your knowledge, then click submit to view your score and download the detailed answer PDF.

Overview of Euclid’s Geometry

Geometry, derived from the Greek words ‘geo’ (earth) and ‘metrein’ (to measure), originated from the need to measure land. Euclid, a teacher of mathematics at Alexandria in Egypt, collected all the known work of his time and arranged it in his famous treatise called ‘Elements’. This work has influenced the understanding of geometry for generations.

Key Concepts from History

Euclid divided the ‘Elements’ into 13 books. He began his exposition by listing 23 definitions in Book 1. Some fundamental definitions include:

  • Point: That which has no part (zero dimension).
  • Line: Breadthless length (one dimension).
  • Surface: That which has length and breadth only (two dimensions).
  • Solid: That which has length, breadth, and height (three dimensions).

Axioms vs. Postulates

Euclid distinguished between axioms and postulates based on their usage:

  • Axioms: Assumptions used throughout mathematics and not specifically linked to geometry (e.g., “The whole is greater than the part”).
  • Postulates: Assumptions specific to geometry (e.g., “A straight line may be drawn from any one point to any other point”).

Dimensions Summary

Object Dimensions Example
Solid 3 Cube, Sphere
Surface 2 Table top, Paper
Line 1 Edge of a table
Point 0 Corner of a room

Extra Practice Questions

  1. Q: How many dimensions does a surface have?
    A: Two.
  2. Q: The edges of a surface are called?
    A: Lines.
  3. Q: Which axiom states that things equal to the same thing are equal to one another?
    A: Euclid’s first axiom.
  4. Q: What is the shape of the base of a pyramid?
    A: Any polygon (triangle, square, etc.).
  5. Q: In the Indian subcontinent, the excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro show extremely well-planned towns. This implies knowledge of?
    A: Mensuration and Geometry.