Bisecting an Angle
- Author:
- Julia Finneyfrock
- Topic:
- Angles
Bisecting an Angle
Follow the steps below to bisect angle ABC:
1. Using B as center, use the circle tool to draw an arc of any radius.
2. Construct a point where that circle intersects ray BA and label the point as X. Construct another point where the circle intersects ray BC and label that point as Y.
3. Using X as center and a radius that is a little more than halfway from X to Y, draw a circle.
4. Use the segment tool to draw a radius of the circle you just constructed in Step 3.
5. Use the Compass tool and select the segment you just constructed in Step 4 and point Y to construct a circle centered at Y with the same radius as the circle you constructed in Step 4.
6.Construct point Z where the circles constructed in Steps 3 and 5 intersect.
7. Draw ray BZ.
Ray BZ bisects angle ABC.
When you finish answer the following questions in complete sentences. When you finish discuss you answers with your partner.
1. How do you think you'd create a ray that is 1/3 of the angle? If you finish early... try it!
2. Your friend claims it is possible for a straight angle to consist of two obtuse angles. Is your friend correct? Explain your reasoning.
3. Explain what a compass does? Why is it so important to use circles when constructing?