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.


Published September 2000,February 2009.