Question

Use a straightedge and a compass to construct a triangle with 2 sides having the same length. Describe the process you used. Now use a protractor to measure each angle of the triangle. What are the measures of each angle?

Answer 1

First using the straight edge draw a line segment AB.

Then open the compass a bit longer than AB. Now keeping the needle at point A of AB, draw an arc above AB.

Without changing the opening of the compass, now place the needle of the compass at B and draw another arc above AB, cutting the previous arc. Name this point C.

Join AC and BC. ABC is the required triangle with the sides AC and BC of equal length.