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#