I started the ruler and compass series a while ago and am just now getting back to it. Here is my construction of a perpendicular bisector of a given line segment.
First, I drew a line segment:
Using my compass (which quickly gave out on me), I made two big fat arcs. They have the same radius – this is important.
Where those two cross, I drew a line. That line is the perpendicular (at 90 degree angle to) bisector (splits in in two equal pieces) of the original segment:
Why does it work?
Well, that’s a great question. I’m sure there’s some proof of why this actually results in splitting the original line segment in half with a perpendicular line. I’ll have to think on it more.
But intuitively it totally feels right.
Now that’s a bad way to proceed with math, but it’s a great first start!
How about you?
Do you like to play with ruler and compass constructions? Do you know why this works?
Oh – and if you don’t have one, buy a compass here (that’s the one I just bought to replace my junky one).
And I also ordered this cool book about Compass Drawings – I’m so excited!
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You might also like:
- What is a Ruler and Compass Construction?
- GeoGebra – Overcoming the Fear
- Geometry with Cheese
- Math Picture Book: Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland
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Lovely stuff cousin, reminded me of my Math education which I did some 25 years ago.
Take care
Vijay
Thanks, cousin! I never got to do these, so I’m making up for lost time. 🙂
Bon, sometimes you scare me. I just received my copy of *this same* book two days ago. It is, along with Cartooning with Math (also one of your suggestions), meant to keep the Kindergartener (and myself) busy on a flight to grandparents. She declared after a quick assessment of the books, “very cool, Mom”!
I just got mine and haven’t had a chance to do anything but flip through it. I envy your little one’s flight time!
Also, we’re using the Safe-T compass and protractor/straight edge set.
I think I got the “watch it or this could turn into a murder weapon one.” And with my clumsiness, you might watch for me on the news.
#fingerscrossedIdontputoutaneye