I think I trisected an angle. SERIOUSLY.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of angle trisection, specifically addressing the claim of having trisected an angle using geometric methods. Participants explore the implications of this claim in the context of established mathematical principles regarding angle trisection, particularly the impossibility of achieving this with only a compass and straightedge.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant acknowledges the impossibility of trisecting angles with a compass and straightedge but presents a claim of having done so, referencing visual evidence.
  • Another participant challenges the claim by calculating the angle and asserting that it does not represent a true trisection of the specified angle, emphasizing that trisection must apply to a general angle rather than a specific case.
  • A participant expresses a desire for resources on geometric proofs involving circles, indicating a lack of understanding of the foundational relationships in this area.
  • There is a repeated, seemingly unrelated comment questioning the possibility of obtaining something for nothing, which may indicate a separate line of inquiry or confusion in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the angle trisection claim, as there are competing views regarding the nature of the angles involved and the conditions under which trisection is defined.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the definitions of angles and slopes may be missing, and the discussion reflects a dependency on specific mathematical principles that are not fully resolved within the thread.

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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.
 
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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...
 
Nevermind. I assumed that slope was the same as an angle.
 
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.
 
Dad, are you SURE you can't get something for nothing?
 
mathwonk said:
Dad, are you SURE you can't get something for nothing?

Is that directed at me?
 
Last edited:

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