Construct an Inscribed Equilateral Triangle
- Author:
- Crystal Vest
- Topic:
- Constructions
Drawings of geometric figures are created using measuring tools such as a ruler and protractor. Constructions are methods of creating these figures without the benefit of measuring tools. Generally, only a pencil, straightedge, and compass are used in constructions. Sketches are created without the use of any of these tools.
Construction Steps
A compass can be used to create two equal segments, a copy, instead of using a ruler to measure.
Step 1: Use the "Circle: Center and Radius" button to draw a circle with center A. Click to create center A and drag to create the radius of the circle. Release your mouse when your circle is as large as you like.
Step 2: Use the "Point on Object" button to create a point on circle A. Right-click on the point and select "Show Label" and label it point B.
Step 3: Select the "compass" (circle) button. Choose points A and B to define the size of the circle which also represents the length of the line. Then, choose (select) point B to direct the program to create a circle with center point B, also known as Circle B, or ⊙B.
Step 4: Using the "Intersect" button, create the points of intersection between circle A and circle B by selecting circle A and circle B.
Step 5: Select the "compass" (circle) button. Choose points B and D to define the size of the circle which also represents the length of the line. Then, choose (select) point D to direct the program to create a circle with center point D.
Step 6: Using the "Intersect" button, create the points of intersection between circle A and circle D by selecting circle A and circle D.
Step 7: Select the "compass" (circle) button. Choose points D and E to define the size of the circle which also represents the length of the line. Then, choose (select) point E to direct the program to create a circle with center point E.
Step 8: Using the "Intersect" button, create the points of intersection between circle A and circle E by selecting circle A and circle E.
Step 9: Select the "compass" (circle) button. Choose points E and H to define the size of the circle which also represents the length of the line. Then, choose (select) point H to direct the program to create a circle with center point H.
Step 10: Using the "Intersect" button, create the points of intersection between circle A and circle H by selecting circle A and circle H.
Step 11: Using the "Segment" button, connect every other point on circle A to create an equilateral triangle.
Step 12: Use the "distance or length" tool to measure the length of the three segments of your triangle by selecting each one. The measurements should be equal.
Step 13: Use the "ABC" tool to write your name
Step 14: Take a screen shot of your work below.