So, what is this... maths... used for? Well, everything and anything. Why do you never see it? Because it's done inside of a device people use every day, including you right now, called a computer! These wonderful technological advancements have been used since the 80's and have consumed our lives to the point where it's a necessity. They also calculate maths every second of every day while you use them! Even your pocket computer does it! Apple's even does it while it's not in use, sadly leading to the death of many acidic power bricks (or as you know it as, the battery) midway through everyday...
These maths are used to also make a neat little invention called vector graphics! There's two kinds of vector graphics: 2 dimensional (2D) and 3 dimensional (3D).
2D vector artwork is done by the computer using maths to create lines, lines that can be used to create images, images that can be used to create a 3D image, a 3D image that can be used t- you get the point. How does the computer use maths to create a vector image? Well, the computer uses something called the Cartesian Coordinates System!
The coordinate system uses two axes (not the sharp, deadly kind) named X and Y. Say hello X an Y. Oh, wait, I forgot, they're numbers, forget what I said.
X and Y are the axes that help maths know where to plot the end and start points of the paths (aka the aforementioned lines) and joining them together with said path(s). But wait, there's more! You can colour your vector artwork, as making a shapes out of the paths/lines can make them able to be coloured. Even the lines can have their colour and thickness changed.
X and Y are good and all, but what if I told you there was a 3rd axis? Mind blowing, right?! Where is it? What is it called? Why does it exist? Why isn't Taco Bell in England?! I can answer all those questions (minus the 4th one)! The 3rd axis points up to the sky, while the other two lay flat on the ground, it's name is Z and it exists to help make 3D models, like it helps with 2D vectors (why would it surprise you? This entire unit is called "3D Modelling"...)! 3D models also use the Cartesian Coordinates System, meaning it too can use the X and Y axis, along with the Z axis.
How does it compare to Vectors? Well, they have lines and points (connects the lines together). However, unlike vectors, 3D models have edges, polygons, surfaces, and faces (not the smiley kind). It also adds depth to the entire thing.
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So, who invented the Cartesian Coordinates System? Well, by René Descartes. His invention of the Cartesian Coordinates System revolutionised the maths and gave us what we know about maths today! He figured out how to do the impossible (well, what used to be impossible), combine Euclidean geometry with algebra. He also had really nice hair! It isn't relevant but damn it's great and curly!
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Basic objects, aka primitives, are basic shapes that are pre-made in any software to help you make other models. You have your standard shapes, such as; box, sphere, cylinder, etc. Some software come with triangular based shapes, such as Cones and Pyramids. Just because a shape has been made, doesn't mean it's like that forever as they can be edited to your hearts contempt immediately after, so they're great for if you want to use primitive shapes as a starting point.
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There are also extended primitive shapes, though I can not begin to tell you what they are.
Models can also have specific textures added to them, you can even add images to individual polygons. This is what we call: surfacing. Surfacing is like adding paint to something, each change of colour in the paint is a different meaning to the painted object.
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The Blue, Yellow and Gray would be named different things, and the colour choice is to remind the person making it that the things in different colours are different parts of the object.
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