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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the constructibility of angles using ruler and compass, specifically focusing on the conditions under which certain angles can be constructed. Participants explore the implications of angle trisection and the historical context of these geometric constructions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that an angle of 24 degrees can be constructed if an angle of 72 degrees is constructible, based on the relationship between these angles.
  • Others argue that the constructibility of angles is tied to the constructibility of certain associated angles, such as stating that cos(20 degrees) is not constructible.
  • A participant mentions the historical method of angle trisection attributed to Hippocrates, suggesting it relates to the discussion of the parallelogram and angle construction.
  • There is a reference to the constructibility of angles based on the degree of an extension field, indicating a mathematical framework for understanding these constructions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the constructibility of specific angles, particularly regarding the angle of 24 degrees and its relation to the angle of 72 degrees. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives on the topic.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to historical methods and mathematical principles, but lacks consensus on the constructibility of certain angles and the implications of these constructions.

Albert1
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I'm thinking perhaps you have another elegant solution at hand but I'm going to post my "weak" solution here nevertheless:o:
First we let $\angle AED=\alpha$, and $DE=2k,\,AB=k$.

Applying the Sine Rule on both the triangles $AED$ and $ABE$ we see that

$\dfrac{2k}{\sin 90^{\circ}}=\dfrac{AE}{\sin (90-\alpha)^{\circ}}$ and $\dfrac{k}{\sin \alpha}=\dfrac{AE}{\sin (\alpha-18)^{\circ}}$

Dividing the first by the second equation yields

$\begin{align*}\sin (\alpha-18)^{\circ}&=2\sin \alpha \sin (90-\alpha)^{\circ}\\&=2\sin \alpha \cos \alpha\\&=\sin 2\alpha\end{align*}$

Since $0<2\alpha<180^{\circ}$, we must alter the expression inside the sine function of $\sin (\alpha-18)^{\circ}$ such that we have

$\sin (180-(\alpha-18))^{\circ}=\sin 2\alpha$

Solving it for $\alpha$ we obtain $\alpha=66^{\circ}$.
 
Last edited:
anemone said:
I'm thinking perhaps you have another elegant solution at hand but I'm going to post my "weak" solution here nevertheless:o:
First we let $\angle AED=\alpha$, and $DE=2k,\,AB=k$.

Applying the Sine Rule on both the triangles $AED$ and $ABE$ we see that

$\dfrac{2k}{\sin 90^{\circ}}=\dfrac{AE}{\sin (90-\alpha)^{\circ}}$ and $\dfrac{k}{\sin \alpha}=\dfrac{AE}{\sin (\alpha-18)^{\circ}}$

Dividing the first by the second equation yields

$\begin{align*}\sin (\alpha-18)^{\circ}&=2\sin \alpha \sin (90-\alpha)^{\circ}\\&=2\sin \alpha \cos \alpha\\&=\sin 2\alpha\end{align*}$

Since $0<2\alpha<180^{\circ}$, we must alter the expression inside the sine function of $\sin (\alpha-18)^{\circ}$ such that we have

$\sin (180-(\alpha-18))^{\circ}=\sin 2\alpha$

Solving it for $\alpha$ we obtain $\alpha=66^{\circ}$.
your solution is also very nice!
 
Albert.
I found your parallelogram very interesting. You may well have observed this, but here is something. If angle ABC in the parallelogram is "arbitrary" $$\theta$$, the parallelogram is constructible with ruler and compass iff $${\theta\over 3}$$ is constructible. Shown is an angle of 60 degrees. Of course, a 20 degree angle is not constructible.View attachment 3336
 

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johng said:
Albert.
I found your parallelogram very interesting. You may well have observed this, but here is something. If angle ABC in the parallelogram is "arbitrary" $$\theta$$, the parallelogram is constructible with ruler and compass iff $${\theta\over 3}$$ is constructible. Shown is an angle of 60 degrees. Of course, a 20 degree angle is not constructible.https://www.physicsforums.com/attachments/3336
yes it is very interesting
given $\angle ABC=72^o$
using compass and ruler only ,
Can we construct an angle=$24^o ?$
 
Albert,
Years ago I taught constructibility of numbers from an algebraic standpoint (degree of an extension field). So I remembered cos(20 degree) is not constructible. For 24 degrees:
First, the regular pentagon is constructible and hence an angle of 72. So 3=(72-(45+30)) is constructible. Thus 24 degrees is constructible by constructing 3 degree angles 8 times.

I surfed a little and found the 2500 year old trisection method (due to Hippocrates?) -- Angle Trisection by Hippocrates This is really just a variation of your parallelogram.
 
johng said:
Albert,
Years ago I taught constructibility of numbers from an algebraic standpoint (degree of an extension field). So I remembered cos(20 degree) is not constructible. For 24 degrees:
First, the regular pentagon is constructible and hence an angle of 72. So 3=(72-(45+30)) is constructible. Thus 24 degrees is constructible by constructing 3 degree angles 8 times.

I surfed a little and found the 2500 year old trisection method (due to Hippocrates?) -- Angle Trisection by Hippocrates This is really just a variation of your parallelogram.
johng
well done!
 

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