Ruler & Compass: Practical Geometric Constructions

From the practical fundamentals to the more demanding, this pocket-sized book introduces the origins and basic principles of geometric constructions using ruler and compass. Since the earliest times mankind has employed the simple geometric forms of straight line and circle. Originally marked out by eye and later using a stretched cord, in time these came to be made with the simple tools of ruler and compass. This small book introduces the origins and basic principles of geometric constructions using ruler and compass, before going on to cover dozens of geometric constructions, from the practical fundamentals to the more demanding. - Constructions for more than thirty regular polygons - Introduces geometric construction using compasses alone and using rulers alone - Explains why trisecting an angle is impossible using classical rules and how to trisect an angle anyway - Highlights the relationship of geometric construction with many fundamental developments throughout the history of mathematics