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Start with a line segment AB that we will divide up into 5 (in this case) equal parts. |
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| Step 1 |
From point A, draw a line segment at an angle to the given line,
and about the same length. The exact length is not important. |
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| Step 2 |
Set the compasses on A, and set its width to a bit less than one fifth of the length of the new line. |
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| Step 3 |
Step the compasses along the line, marking off 5 arcs. Label the last one C. |
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| Step 4 |
With the compasses' width set to CB, draw an arc from A just below it. |
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| Step 5 |
With the compasses' width set to AC, draw an arc from B crossing the one drawn in step 4. This intersection is point D. |
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| Step 6 |
Draw a line from D to B. |
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| Step 7 |
Using the same compasses' width as used to step along AC, step the compasses from D along DB making 4 new arcs across the line |
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| Step 8 |
Draw lines between the corresponding points along AC and DB. |
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| Step 9 |
Done. The lines divide the given line segment AB in to 5 congruent parts. |
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