Draw randomly two lines A and B at an angle with each other, say between 30 and 90 degrees. How will you draw two lines starting from the intersection point of A and B that will trisect the angle between them.
2006-12-28 13:55:52 · 5 answers · asked by dannyjcris523 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Mathematics
It is impossible to trisect an arbitrary angle using only a compass and (unmarked) straightedge. For a proof of this, consult any textbook on Galois theory.
2006-12-28 14:03:16 · answer #1 · answered by robert 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many people would say no because it geometrically impossible to trisect an arbitrary angle. However some angles can be trisected. All angles can be trisected to any required degree of accuracy less then perfect. This is analogous to numerical methods used to solve problems like DE's or polynomials of higher degree. Successive approximation.
Did you know you can measure an arbitrary angle with only a compass? For irrational angles, only an successive approximation could be used.
2006-12-28 22:36:12 · answer #2 · answered by adrian b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Certain, special angles can be trisected (this question was up here last summer-do an answers search). In general you cannot trisect an angle as was already noted.
2006-12-28 22:14:04 · answer #3 · answered by raz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer is no as long as the straight edge is just that, an edge with no markings (not a ruler).
Put you question into google and you should find a lot more about that. Apparently, that is one of several problems that the ancient mathematicians struggled with for a long time.
2006-12-28 22:01:51 · answer #4 · answered by bkc99xx 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Found a method on the web:
http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/docs/forum/angtri/
2006-12-28 22:00:24 · answer #5 · answered by Jim Burnell 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋