Copy of Construct a Square, Given a Side
STUDENTS:
Use the tools in the applet to construct a square with AB as one of its sides.
Explore. Try to do this on your own.
If you need more help, there are detailed instructions at the bottom of the page.
How to Construct a Square
You start with segment AB.
Use the LINE tool to make this line AB.
Use the compass tool to construct a perpendicular line that passes through A
-This can be done by making a circle with center A. Circle A will intersect the line at two points.
-You will then construct two congruent circles (that are larger than circle A) centered at the two intersections.
-Mark where the circles intersect and construct a line through those points.
Use the compass tool to construct a perpendicular line that passes through B
-This can be done by making a circle with center B. Circle B will intersect the line at two points.
-You will then construct two congruent circles (that are larger than circle B) centered at the two intersections.
-Mark where the circles intersect and construct a line through those points.
Now, set your compass to compass to radius AB and center a circle at A and another at B so that we can see where they each intersect the perpendicular lines we constructed.
Mark those intersections so that you know where the top of your square will be.
.
You should have a square.
Use the POLYGON tool to make it a square.
Do the DRAG TEST to verify it is a square.
I have also added the tools to measure angles and segment lengths if you wanted to test out a different method!