Is it possible to Draw?

Geometry Level 2

If unit length [let it be 1 inch], a straight edge (ruler) without markings and a compass is given, is it possible to draw the length $\sqrt2$ ?

No Yes Yes and there is no need for a compass Only if the ruler has correct markings

1 solution

Saad Khondoker
Jan 20, 2021

Draw a right angle triangle with the length of two sides of the right angle being 1. Now the measure of the hypotenuse = $\sqrt(1^{2} + 1^{2})$ = $\sqrt2$

So the required length is equal to the hypotenuse.

So, yes, we can draw $\sqrt2$ . Ruler marking doesn't matter. But compass is needed to draw the right angle triangle.

If the ruler does not have markings, how do you draw a line of unit length? I think that length markings on the ruler are necessary

Karan Chatrath - 4 months, 2 weeks ago

The unit length is not measured but given by the question setter. You can assume that the question setter had a marked ruler and gave you an unmarked one.

Saad Khondoker - 4 months, 1 week ago

An unambiguous statement would be 'A straight edge ruler exactly 1 unit long...'.

Your statement reads: 'If unit length [let it be 1 inch], a straight edge (ruler) without markings and a compass is given...'

You mention that the length can be any unit of measurement and that is irrelevant. Then you go onto say that a ruler with no markings is provided, but do not mention the length of the ruler.

Karan Chatrath - 4 months, 1 week ago

Is it possible to Draw?

1 solution

0 pending reports