Definition:Analytic Geometry

Definition
Analytic geometry is the study of geometry using the techniques of algebra.

Traditionally, the subject is divided into two main branches:

Also known as
Analytic geometry is also sometimes referred to as:
 * Coordinate geometry
 * Cartesian geometry
 * Analytical geometry

Historical Note
The discipline of analytic geometry is traditionally supposed to have originated with the work of René Descartes, hence its name of Cartesian geometry.

However, it appears that Descartes did in fact obtain his key ideas from [ProofWiki:Mathematicians/Nicole Oresme|Nicole Oresme]]'s Tractatus de configurationibus qualitatum et motuum.