Given 2 numbers (a,b) it is possible to perform geometrically the following algebraic operations: a+b, a−b, a*b, a/b. Use only a straight edge and compass to show each operation?

1 Answer
Dec 28, 2017

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Addition and subtraction of two numbers a and b are made by geometric construction using only a straight edge and compass as shown above.
For addition a long line OT is first drawn using ruler then two line segments OA=a and AB=b are cut off from it one after another with the help of a compass. The measure of the line segment OB will represent the sum of two numbers a and b

In case of subtraction one line segment PQ=a is first cut off from long line PS and subsequently QR =b is cut off in reverse direction from QP or extended QP (if necessary when a < b). The line segment PR will represent the result of subtraction.

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Multiplication by geometric method is explained in above figure.
Here three line segments are taken. One represents unit length and other two represent two numbers a and b on the basis of unit length,
From a line segment QX , OA=1and OB=b are cut off. An acute angle /_EOX is drawn. The line segment OC=a is cut off from OE. A andC are joined. A line BD parallel to AC is drawn from B, which intersects OE at D. Now OD will represent a"*"b

Proof
Delta OAC and Delta OBD are similar as AC"||"BD

So (OD)/(OC)=(OB)/(OA)

=>(OD)/a=b/1

=>OD=axxb

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Division by geometric method is explained in above figure.
Here three line segments are taken. One represents unit length and other two represent two numbers a and b with respect to the unit length,
From a line segment QX , OA=1and OB=b are cut off. An acute angle /_EOX is drawn. The line segment OD=a is cut off from OE. BandD are joined. A line AC parallel to BD is drawn from A, which intersects OE at C. Now OC will represent a/b

Proof
Delta OAC and Delta OBD are similar as AC"||"BD

So (OC)/(OD)=(OA)/(OB)

=>(OC)/a=1/b

=>OC=a/b