Mathematics

Module 7: Constructing
Regular Polygons
In this lesson, the students must learn to:
a. define regular polygons;
b. construct triangles, squares, rectangles, pentagon
and hexagon;
c. discover different properties of a regular polygons
A regular polygon is a flat, closed, straight-sided shape. Every
interior and exterior angle in the regular polygon is equal in
length to every other side. A regular polygon has:

• TWO DIMENSIONS
• STRAIGHT SIDES
• CONGRUENT (EQUAL-LENGTH) SIDES
• INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR ANGLE
• EQUAL INTERIOR ANGLES
• EQUAL EXTERIOR ANGLES
CONSTRUCTING REGULAR POLYGONS
- Constructions are step-by-step processes used to create accurate geometric figures. To create a
construction by hand, there are a few tools that you can use:

Compass: A device that allows you to create a circle with a given radius. Not only can compasses help
you to create circles, but also they can help you to locate distances.

Straightedge: Anything that allows you to produce a straight line. A straightedge should not be able to
measure distances. An index card works well as a straightedge. You can also use a ruler as a
straightedge, as long as you only use it to draw straight lines and not to measure.

Paper: When a geometric figure is on a piece of paper, the paper itself can be folded in order to
construct new lines.

You can construct some regular polygons by hand if you remember the definitions and properties of
these regular polygons. With the additional help of geometry software or a protractor, you can
construct any regular polygon.
CONSTRUCTING TRIANGLES
- The most basic example of a regular polygon is an equilateral triangle, a triangle with three congruent sides and three
congruent angles. Three-edges is the smallest number of edges to construct a polygon because two-edges form an angle
and one-edge is a segment.

AB is one side of what will become equilateral triangle ABC. You need to put point C in the correct place in order to make
the equilateral triangle. Where should point C be places with respect to points A and B.

STEP 1: Use a straightedge to draw line segment AB.

STEP 2: Use a compass to measure the length of AB.

STEP 3: Make a partial circle of points that are the length of AB from point A.
STEP 4: Make another partial circle of points that are the length of AB from B.