Napoleon's Problem - Dividing A Given Circle Into Four Equal Arcs Given Its Centre

Dividing A Given Circle Into Four Equal Arcs Given Its Centre

Centred on any point X on circle C, draw an arc through O (the centre of C) which intersects C at points V and Y. Do the same centred on Y through O, intersecting C at X and Z. Note that the segments OV, OX, OY, OZ, VX, XY, YZ have the same length, all distances being equal to the radius of the circle C.

Now draw an arc centred on V which goes through Y and an arc centred on Z which goes through X; call where these two arcs intersect T. Note that the distances VY and XZ are times the radius of the circle C.

Put the compass radius equal to the distance OT ( times the radius of the circle C) and draw an arc centred on Z which intersects the circle C at U and W. UVWZ is a square and the arcs of C UV, VW, WZ, and ZU are each equal to a quarter of the circumference of C.

Read more about this topic:  Napoleon's Problem

Famous quotes containing the words dividing, circle, equal and/or centre:

    What is a wife and what is a harlot? What is a church and what
    Is a theatre? are they two and not one? can they exist separate?
    Are not religion and politics the same thing? Brotherhood is religion,
    O demonstrations of reason dividing families in cruelty and pride!
    William Blake (1757–1827)

    Yes, thou art gone! and round me too the night
    In ever-nearing circle weaves her shade.
    Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)

    I have often inquired of myself, what great principle or idea it was that kept this Confederacy so long together. It was not the mere matter of the separation of the colonies from the mother land; but something in that Declaration giving liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time. It was that which gave promise that in due time the weights should be lifted from the shoulders of all men, and that all should have an equal chance.
    Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)

    Here in the centre stands the glass. Light
    Is the lion that comes down to drink. There
    And in that state, the glass is a pool.
    Ruddy are his eyes and ruddy are his claws
    When light comes down to wet his frothy jaws
    Wallace Stevens (1879–1955)