I think I trisected an angle. SERIOUSLY.

[111111]

Angle Trisection

Hello, I know the stuff about how trisecting angles using only a compass and straightedge is impossible. So then could you explain this? I have posted some pictures at http://www.flickr.com/photos/14902182@N04/ which i made using geometers sketchpad.

Edit: Nevermind. I assumed that slope was the same as an angle.

 

[CRGreathouse]

The angle you made seems to be $\tan^{-1}3-\frac\pi4\approx26.6^\circ$ which isn't a trisection of the $\tan^{-1}3\approx71.6^\circ$ angle.

More importantly, the trisection must be of a general angle, not of a particular one you decide. I can drop a perpendicular to a line and call it the result a trisected $270^\circ$ angle...

 

[111111]

Nevermind. I assumed that slope was the same as an angle.

 

[ice109]

can someone point me to a resource on reading about this whole using circles to do geometric proofs thing. i have no idea how any of these relationships are derived.

 

[mathwonk]

Dad, are you SURE you can't get something for nothing?

 

[111111]

Dad, are you SURE you can't get something for nothing?

Is that directed at me?