Question

Line XY was drawn on a plane. Using a compass and a straightedge the student wanted to construct an equilateral triangle. What will be the steps in this construction? Use the space below. Add more steps if needed.

Answer 1

1. Place your compass point on X and measure the distance to point Y. Swing an arc of this size above (or below) the segment.

2. Without changing the span on the compass, place the compass point on Y and swing the same arc, intersecting with the first arc.

3. Label the point of intersection as the third vertex of the equilateral triangle.

4. Use you straight edge and connect the points.