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Constructing an Equilateral Triangle
This procedure is also useful for creating a 60° angle - the internal angle of all
equilateral triangles.
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.)
Step-by-step Instructions
| Step 1 |
Pick a point P that will be one vertex of the finished triangle. |
| Step 2 |
Place the point of the compass on the point A and set it's drawing end to point B. The compass
is now set to the length of the sides of the finished triangle. Do not change it from now on. |
| Step 3 |
With the compass point on P, make two arcs, each roughly where the other two
vertices of the triangle will be. |
| Step 4 |
On one of the arcs, mark a point Q that will be a second vertex of the triangle.
It does not matter which arc you pick, or where on the arc you draw the point. |
| Step 5 |
Place the compass point on Q and draw an arc that crosses the other arc, creating point R. |
| Step 6 |
Using the straightedge, draw three lines linking the points P,Q and R. |
| Step 7 |
Done. The triangle PQR is an equilateral triangle. Its side length is equal to the distance AB. |
Try it yourself
Click here for a printable worksheet containing two problems to try.
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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