Sam wants to inscribe a square in a circle using only a compass and straightedge. He will first construct a circle and locate its center. He will then perform the following steps. Step 1: Use the straightedge to draw a diameter of the circle. Step 2: Copy the length of the diameter and construct another diameter. Step 3: Join the points of intersection of the endpoints of the diameters and the circle. What is the error in Sam's steps?

Respuesta :

Hi!

The error Sam made was in Step 2. The reason is because to make a square, the second diameter to be constructed cannot just be constructed in any method. It has to be perpendicular to the other, so the endpoints of the diameters and the circle are equal distances apart from each other.

If the diameter isn't perpendicular to the other, then it could make a rectangle instead.

Hope this helped!