Michael M.

asked • 10/02/20

Possible trisection of a line with Euclidean geometry

A long time ago my geometry teach said that no one has found a way to trisect an angle with Euclidean geometry. So I trisected an angle with Euclidean geometry. I think that the proof works.


Take any rectilinear angle (ABC). Pick a point D on either vertex. Draw a circle with line BD as the diameter and B as the center. Where circle B intersects BC, label it E. Construct equilateral triangle DEF with a base of DE, with F pointing away from B. Bisect lines DF and EF (these will be called G and H, respectively). Draw the lines BG and BH. Those line are trisecting the angle.


If the angle is bigger than 180°, Bisect the angle and trisect the new angles, then take the two lines closest to the bisecting line as the trisecting lines.

Mark M.

Angle ABC has only one vertex, B.
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10/02/20

Mark M.

I have followed your instructions with several sized angles. It appears to work. Other than measure (compass) the resulting angles I cannot "prove" it works, nor can I disprove. You should present this to an Geometrician.
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10/02/20

Stanton D.

Well, you've certainly divided the angle into three intermediate sized pieces. But why do you assert that they are equivalent? I see no special angle + side relationships that would indicate that.
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10/03/20

1 Expert Answer

By:

Paul M. answered • 10/03/20

Tutor
5.0 (39)

BS Mathematics, MD

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