Angle Trisection

Stage: 4 Challenge Level: Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3 Challenge Level:3

A classical Greek problem was to find a way to trisect an angle using just a ruler and a pair of compasses. However, this is impossible.

It is possible though, to trisect an angle using a carpenter's square, as demonstrated by the interactivity below.

Can you explain why this works?

Can you extend the idea to trisect an obtuse angle?

 

This text is usually replaced by the Flash movie.

 


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Published September 2000,February 2009.