It is possible to divide a line segment into three equal parts using just a compass and ruler. The method involves drawing a ray at a 60-degree angle from one endpoint and marking off equal segments along that ray, then drawing parallel lines to create the trisection. While some participants confused this with angle trisection, which cannot be achieved with these tools, the line segment can indeed be trisected. Various techniques, including constructing equilateral triangles, were discussed as valid methods for achieving this division. The conversation clarified that while angle trisection is impossible, line segments can be divided into any finite number of equal parts.
