Tips for Doing Constructions in Geometry

Hold the compass like a pencil!

If you're using a typical compass, you want to hold it like you hold your pencil...but not on the "pencil side"--you want to hold it on the "pointy side." You know, the part with the sharp point.

Don't use two hands.

I know it might sound strange, but if you have two hands on the compass, it will probably be harder to use. You wouldn't cut with both hands on a pair of scissors. Don't construct with both hands on your compass.

Put the pressure on the pointy end, not the pencil end.

This is huge. You want to bear down on the point, not the pencil. The pencil just needs to lightly move across the paper. This helps your compass to stay in position, ensuring a cleaner construction.

Pro Tip:

Turn your paper instead of the compass! Set the compass where you need to construct, and then turn your paper, keeping the compass in place. If you're using the above tips, it's likely to become your favorite way of completing constructions.

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