How do you copy a line segment using a compass and straight edge?
Use the compass to measure the length of the line segment.
Use the same radius to draw an arc on your new line (toward the right side).
Connect the starting point to the intersection of the arc and the new line. You're done!
How do you add two line segments using a compass and straight edge?
Use the compass to measure the length of the first line segment.
Use the same radius to draw an arc on your new line from the starting point. Put a point on the intersection.
Use the compass to measure the length of the second line segment.
Use the same radius to draw an arc from the second point. Put a point on the intersection.
You did it!
Check out this animation.
A good way to practice your compass skills is to create spirals. Here is how to create spirals using two points and a line:
For your work today:
For a 3, copy a line segment (label it) and add two line segments (label them).
For a 4, also create a perfect spiral.