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Copying a line segment
Instructions Click on 'Next' to go through the construction one step at a time, or click on 'Run' to let it run without stopping.
(If there is no image below, see support page.)
Note that the straightedge can be a ruler, but it is not used to actually measure anything, just to draw straight lines. Ignore the markings on it.
Step-by-step Instructions
| Step 1 |
Mark a point R that will be one endpoint of the new line segment. |
| Step 2 |
Set the compass point on the point P of the line segment to be copied. |
| Step 3 |
Adjust the compass width to the point Q. The compass width is now equal to the length of the line segment PQ. |
| Step 4 |
Without changing the compass width, place the compass point on the the point R on the line you drew in step 1 |
| Step 5 |
Without changing the compass width, Draw an arc roughly where the other endpoint will be. |
| Step 6 |
Pick a point S on the arc that will be the other endpoint of the new line segment. |
| Step 7 |
Draw a line from R to S. |
| Step 8 |
Done. The line segment RS 
is equal in length (congruent to) the line segment
PQ  . |
Try it yourself
Click here for a printable worksheet containing two line segment copying problems.
When you get to the page, use the browser print command to print as many as you wish. The printed output is not copyright.
Other constructions
Lines
Angles
Triangles
Triangle Centers
Circles, Arcs and Ellipses
Non-Euclidean constructions
(C) 2007 Copyright John Page
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