Constructing 90 Degree Angle Using Compass and Ruler

Now that we’ve learned what a 90° is, let’s see how to construct a 90° angle using a compass and ruler:

Materials Required

Basic materials needed to build a 90 degree angle are:

• Compass: The compass is quite an essential instrument to use when making a 90-degree angle, as it allows one to measure and draw the arcs quite correctly.
• Ruler: A ruler will be used to take a proper reading and draw an appropriate measure of length.
• Pencil: A pencil is used to mark points, describe lines, and write comments on the paper.
• Clean Sheet of Paper: All the lines or angles are drawn on a plane and smooth surface. It also helps in seeing the drawing of the lines and angles drawn clearly to ease the construction of these.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here is the instruction to construct a 90° angle:

Step 1: Draw a straight line segment AB on the sheet.

Step 2: Place the tip of the compass at A and draw an semi-circle that intersects the line AB and name it C.

Step 3: Put the point of the drafting compass at C and draw an arc on the previously drawn arc, name that point D.

Step 4: Without changing the separation of the legs of the drafting compass, draw another arc on the first drawn semi circle and name it E.

Step 5: Keeping the same compass width, place the compass needle on the points D and E and draw an arc from each point that intersects at a point, name it F.

Step 6: Draw a straight line joining A and the point of intersection of the small arcs i.e. F. We have a 90° angle.

Tips and Tricks while Contructing 90 Degree Angle

Here are some tips and tricks to increase the accuracy of construction:

• Use a pencil and ruler to draw the line with precision and care. Measure the line well, and draw a straight line.

• While adjusting the width of the compass, make sure that it is more than half the length of AB. And while drawing the arc, ensure that the width of the compass remains unchanged.

• In drawing the required arcs, the compass should be held tightly enough so it does not waver or slip so measurements are accurate.

• Make sure your pencil is sharp so that you will get clear markings and lines; dull pencils may result in fuzz or an unclear intersection.

• Link the points of intersection and draw a straight line with the use of a ruler through the points of intersection. Ensure that the line drawn is a bit longer than the point of intersection at both extremes so that it gives a clear, sharp, and perpendicular line.

In geometry, learning how to make a 90°, also called a right angle, is fundamental. Not only is it helpful in the construction of other angles like that of 60°, 45°, 120°, 30°, etc., but it also has lots of practical applications in real life, among which are distance measurements between planets and construction of buildings and other infrastructures. Although 90° can be quickly drawn with a protractor, this is an essential skill for students to accurately construct 90° with a compass and ruler.

In this article, we will learn to draw an angle of 90 degrees with a compass and ruler step by step.