How many moves does it take to construct 6 points in the shape of a regular hexagon?
For example, to get 3 points in the shape of an equilateral triangle you only need two moves:
That's two circles drawn.
All terminology in this question is explained in the first note of my straightedge and compass set. More straightedge and compass constructions can be found there.
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I took into account that we had to start from scratch. Please, change this, Wen! @Wen Z
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Starting from scratch, it does take 4 moves. I don't see the issue.
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I see my problem! I thought it was collapsible compasses, not incollapsible!
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@Sharky Kesa – As my solution shows, it doesn't matter even if the compass is collapsible.
Thanks for defending . For better presentation, I have modified.
Sorry. I saw it now only. Thank you. I have now given all steps plus a diagram.
I cannot prove that it cannot be constructed with less than 4 moves, but I can prove that 4 moves are enough.
Let the intersections of ω 0 and ω 1 be B and F . Let the intersections of ω 0 and ω 2 be C and E so B and C are on the same side of A D . The hexagon is A B C D E F .
Actually, we can do this in 4 steps with compass alone, no need for straightedge at all. I'll follow Ivan Koswara's diagram:
Step 1 and 2 same as Ivan's.
Step 3. Use B as center, BF as radius draw an arc, it'll intersect circle O at D
Step 4. Use A as center, BF as radius draw an arc, it'll intersect circle O at C and E
Now we are done!
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(1) Draw a circle radius r and center B.
(2) From a point A on the circumference of this circles, draw another circle radius r.
................Name the top point of intersection as C and the bottom as G.
(3) From B draw a line through A to intersect the left circle at E.
(4) With center E, radius r, draw a circle to intersect the left circle at D on top, F at bottom.
BCDEFG is the Hexagon. r=length of the side of the Hexagon.