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How to Trisect an Arbitrary Angle

To trisect an angle is to divide it into three equal angles of one-third the size of the original angle. You may have been told that it is mathematically impossible to trisect an angle using only a compass and straightedge. While this is true, it is possible to trisect the angle if you have a marked protractor.

Things You'll Need

  • Protractor
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the vertex of the angle at the central point on the protractor, and align one of the rays with the zero tick mark.

    • 2

      Count up the tick marks until you reach the second ray of the angle. You have just measured how many degrees are in the angle.

    • 3

      Multiply this number by 1/3. This is how many degrees are in your first trisecting angle. Using a straightedge, make a ray from the vertex at this angle.

    • 4

      Repeat Step 3, only this time, multiply the number by 2/3 instead. Mark another ray from the vertex to this angle measurement.

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