070816 Homework

 

Background

 

We were asked to highlight two points, A and B, and find ONE point that is equidistant from A and from B.

 

Ryan (I think!) suggested that we set the compass so that its tips are apart by exactly half the distance between A and B. The problem is that we donŐt know have a way to do that. We would need the point that is exactly half way straight between A and B.

 

Ethan Simon suggested that we set the compass so that one tip is on A and the other is on B. Then, using that as a radius, construct one circle that is centered at A with this radius. Then, using that same radius, construct a circle that is centered at B with this radius.

 

Ethan claimed that, by this method, we will produce two points that are equidistant from A and from B – the points where the two circles intersect.

 

Assignment

 

  1. Perform EthanŐs construction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. Explain why, or why not, this method produces two points that are equidistant from A and from B. Will it always work, even if A and B are 20 miles apart?