Quandaries and Queries
 


Where can I submit my effort on trisecting an arbitrary angle with only a straightedge and a compass? I can do it but I do not have the smarts to prove it.

Thanks,
Joe



Hi Joe,

Try your method on a 60 degree angle. Starting with a 60 degree angle you can use trigonometry to find the size of your constructed angle. In other words, you should be able to prove that your construction gives you a 20 degree angle EXACTLY. Another approach would be to find a computer that has the graphics program GEOMETER'S SKETCHPAD. (Almost all high schools in North America would have this program on their computers.) With this program you can measure your initial angle and your constructed angle. It will allow you to change your initial angle and discover whether the new angle is always exactly 1/3 what you started with.

Chris


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