01.05 Construction with Technology

Part 2: Explanation

Copying a line segment:

I first made line segment then I made point C. Then I used the compass button to create a circle with point C at the center. After I made point D anywhere on the circle, then I connected point C and point D by creating line segment . Line segment and line segment are identical.

Bisecting a line segment:

I first made line segment then I made point C. Then I used the compass button to create a circle with point B at the center. I created a second circle the same size as circle B but with the center at point A. Then I identified the points of intersection between circle A and circle B as point D and E. Then I created line , which bisects and is perpendicular to .

Part 3: Analysis

Q: Which method do you find easier—making constructions by hand using a compass and straightedge or constructing using technology? Why?

A: At first it thought it would be more complicated using technology to make construction but after actually doing it, I think its a lot easier doing it with technology than by hand because it doesn’t require a lot of the work you have to do by hand. Also I feel like I can focus more on actually understanding the material. As for someone like myself, I like for my work to look perfect and neat and sometimes I focus more on drawing the shapes and line perfectly rather than on what actually matters.

Q: What are the benefits to using technology over a handheld compass and straightedge?

A: Technology isn’t as time consuming as doing it by hand. Also with technology it shows you all the measurements and everything you need to know, like its doing the work for you but at the same time its helping you understand better than if you were to do it by hand.

Q: What are the limitations to using technology over a handheld compass and straightedge?

A: I don’t believe there are any limitations in using technology, its equally if not more beneficial than doing it by hand.

Q: In...