has anyone ever split an angle into 3 equal parts with just a compass?

Answer 1

No.

Answer 2

Yes. I just did it! Draw a right angle. Call the vertical line AB, with A at the intersection. Call the horizontal line AC.Place compass point on A,and scribe a circle which will cross AB at point D, and cross AC at point E. Now, without altering the setting of your compass, place the point at point D, where the circle crosses the vertical, and draw a part circle to cross the arc between D and E. Call this intersection F. Now place the point of your compass on E, and make an arc crossing the arc DE, and call the crossing point G. If you are with me up to this point (or these 5 points) the rest is simple. Joining A and F, and then A and G, divides the angle DAE 3 ways equally. I admit that strictly speaking, I used not only a compass, but a piece of paper, and a ruler. However, you could just fold the paper along the lines mentioned, and the creases would show the angles. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

It has been proven mathematically that you cannot trisect an angle with just a compass. Note that in math, a compass is assumed to collapse when lifted from the page, so may not be directly used to transfer distances.

Using these assumption, it is impossible to trisect an angle into exactly 3 equal parts. By that I mean 3 equal parts with absolute accuracy. To understand what mathematicians mean when they say something is impossible, you may want to visit

http://www.uwgb.edu/dutchs/PSEUDOSC/trisect.HTM

Try googling 'trisecting an angle' and you will get a wealth of information.

Answer 4

Compass by itself, no, but in conjunction with a set square or ruler, yes.

Answer 5

No. I believe it has been mathematically proved to be impossible. At least impossible to do exactly. I think there are ways to approximate it.

Answer 6

yep...

define the degree of the angle first and then divide by 3...