On this page, we will learn how to construct an equilateral triangle. An equilateral triangle is one with all three sides the same length. It begins with a given line segment that is the length of each side of the finished equilateral triangle. It works because the compass width is not changed between drawing each side, guaranteeing they are all the same length.
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Start with the line segment AB, which will be the length of each of the sides of the desired equilateral triangle.
Place the point of the compass on point A and set its drawing end on point B. Make an arc from point B up through where we expect the other point of our triangle to be.
Now place the compass point on point B, and the drawing side on point A, and draw another arc. The spot where the two arcs intersect will be the triangle's last point.
We'll label the last point as point P. Now set up your ruler, and connect each point to draw your triangle.
Done. The triangle ABP is an equilateral triangle. Each side length is equal to the distance of the initial line segment AB. |
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To see an animation of the construction, click the play button below. This animation does not include audio - it only shows each step as it occurs in the correct order.
Question
What is another way of saying all sides have the same length?
