OpenOlympiad
Concept 2 of 10Foundation
Video

Drawing and copying line segments

To draw a segment of length L: mark 0, line up your ruler, mark L, connect.

To copy a segment AB using compass:

  1. Draw a ray from a new point P.
  2. Put compass tip on A, open to B.
  3. Without changing opening, pin on P, mark an arc crossing the ray at Q.
  4. PQ = AB exactly.
Example
You're given a stick and need to cut another exactly the same — put compass pins on the ends and transfer.
💡 Tip:Don't let the compass opening change while moving between points.
Prefer a video? Open YouTube search for “copy a line segment compass class 6

🎯 Try it!

5 questions to check what you just read.

0 / 5
  1. Q1.To copy a segment, what should NOT change between measuring and marking?
  2. Q2.Copying segment AB means creating a segment:
  3. Q3.Best tool for transferring length precisely:
  4. Q4.After drawing a ray and arcing with compass at compass-radius AB, the arc's intersection with ray marks:
  5. Q5.Why use compass (not ruler) for copying?