Constructing aRegular Polygon

Using Geometer's Sketchpad

I will take you through the construction of a regular quadrilateral using GSP. Your job will be to produce a series of regular polygons using GSP. Use my construction as a template for your work. (keep in mind that the process I will show you is not the only construction method. I challenge you to find alternative methods.) You may want to print this page. The screen captures are from a macintosh. Steps in this process are similar on a PC.

Diagram	Description
	Start by constructing a circle.
	Insert a point on the circle, and construct a segment that will be the radius of the circle.
	Use the TRANSFORM menu to Mark the center of your circle.
	Make sure that you highlight the radius. Then with the TRANSFORM menu, choose rotate.
	Since we know we want a regular quadrilateral, rotate the segment by 90 degrees.
	Notice that the segment is copied, and transformed.
	Make sure that the segment is still highlighted, and repeat this process again for the next segment.

	and the next,
	and the next.
	Now create points at the intersections of the radii and the circle.
	With all the points highlighted, choose CONSTRUCT, and the segment option.
	Now, we have constructed a square.
	For added viewing enjoyment, highlight all the vertices of the square, and CONSTRUCT a polygon interior.
	Almost finished!

	Hide all the points, and if you want, hide the circle as well. The construction of the regular quadrilateral is complete.