Journal of Physical Sciences and Innovation Volume 4, June 2012

© 2012 Cenresin Publications

[Link]
ISSN 2277-0119

CONSTRUCTION OF ANY ANGLE FROM 10 TO 3600 WITHOUT BISECTION

(’Lagsamladem Method)

Olagunju, Sam Olu and Olademo, J.O. Ani

Department of Mathematics
Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo

ABSTRACT
Short cut in constructing angles from 10 to 3600 as new development is having the capacities,
such that if carefully and effectively used in our schools and colleges will go a very long way
to improve the teaching/leaning of the topic and enable students perform better in
mathematics in both internal and external examinations. We still need to use ruler and a pair
of compasses only, as usually directed by examination bodies, though with few of the old
ideas, but totally side-tract the ideas of bisecting some noted angles in order to obtain
others .The fact that if you do not construct some angles and then bisect them you can not
get the required ones and that only few angles can be constructed are totally erased. In this
method, all angles are taking care of in the same way (equality for all angles constructions).
Some angles with their diagrams are used as examples to demonstrate the method.
Keywords: Construction, Angles, Bisecting, Ruler, Pair of Compasses.

INTRODUCTION
The teaching and learning of angle construction has been taken in an uneasy way in our
schools and colleges. However, construction is very useful in astronomy and navigation in
particular and in all human endeavors in general. Despite all these laudable importance,
many teachers do not teach construction in schools or do not teach it effectively. This is due
to the fact that students may not grasp the ideas easily. This is what prompted the writer to
search for a way that will make the teaching and learning of constructions in schools easier.
The current method of constructing angles does not go beyond that of special angles i.e. 900,
600, 450, and the bisections of these angles. For angles that cannot be derived from those
above , all we need do is to draw. A student who was asked to construct angle 80 or 400
would find it difficult if not totally impossible, because none of the special angles can be
bisected to give those angles. He would only draw, and this is no construction. As a result of
this, the writer tries to produce an alternative way that will take care of all angles from 10 to
any degree including the special angles, with the aid of a ruler and a pair of compasses only.

The ’Lagsamladem Method

Phase 1: (10 to 600)
Steps:
(1) Draw a line of any convenient length.
(2) Measure 6cm or 60mm on your ruler with a pair of compasses.
(3) Place the iron tip on one end of the line i.e. initial point O, and describe an arc to cut the
line. Measure the required angle on your ruler with the compasses, noting that 10 is
equivalent to 1mm, 100 is equivalent to 10mm, etc.

1
Construction of any Angle from 10 to 3600 Olagunju, Sam Olu and Olademo, J.O. Ani
Without Bisection (’Lagsamladem Method)

(5) Place the iron tip on the intersection of the arc and the line and describe an arc to cut the
former one.
(6) Join the intersection of the arc with the initial point O.
(7) Measure the angle with your protractor to confirm result.

400
O P A

Line OP is 60mm, arc PQ is 40mm. Try this same methods for any angle between 10 to 600

Phase2: (610 to 1200 )

Steps:
(1) Construct angle 600 , using the same steps as above.
(2) Measure the remaining angle on your ruler with compasses e.g. for angle
1100 , we need 500 more.
(3) Place the iron tip on the intersection of the two arcs forming 60 0 and described an arc to
cut the main arc. i.e. the first arc.
(4) Join the point of intersection of the arcs with the initial point.
(5) Measure the angle with protractor to confirm result.

C
B

1100
0
60
O A

2
Journal of Physical Sciences and Innovation Volume 4, June 2012

Phase 3: ( 1210 to 1800 )

(i) From the 600 already constructed, using the same rule, construct another
600 to make 1200 as we normally do.
(ii) Measure the remaining angle on your ruler with the compasses e.g to construct 145 0 ,we
need 250 more, measure 25mm on your ruler and describe an arc with the intersection of the
arc forming 1200 and main arc.
(iii) Draw a line from the point of intersection of the new arc to the origin.
(iv) Confirm result with your protractor.

C B

D
280

1480
1200

O 600

A
Phase 4: For other angles from 1810 to 3600 you only need to repeat the appropriate steps
about and add to 1800, depending on the angle required. e.g. for angle 2200, draw a straight
line, construct 400 as discussed above and add.

Observation/Challege
Introduction and Application of the above method of angle construction in our secondary
schools will go a long way to improve their understanding in constructions and thus, improve
their performances in both internal and external examinations. In the same way, teachers will
be interested in the teaching of constructions since the fear of learning difficulty of the
students will be reduced, if not totally eradicated.

CONCLUSION
The method of constructing angles spelt above is very important for more understanding of
the topic. However, we need to look at some constraints. Describing an arc whose radius is
60mm or 6cm may take a large space on our paper, and in this current situation we need to
optimize our papers, or cost of papers or time etc. The task before us, is whether there is a

3
Construction of any Angle from 10 to 3600 Olagunju, Sam Olu and Olademo, J.O. Ani
Without Bisection (’Lagsamladem Method)

way to either minimize the radius or to look for a way of drawing to scale. In any case later
research by the writer or the readers may give a clue to the problem ahead.
REFERENCES

1. Adelaja et al (1985): Oxford Senior Secondary Mathematics For

Nigerian Schools, oxford University Press.

2. Adelodun A. A.(1998): Distinction in Mathematics; A comprehensive

Revision Test. Ostendo Arts Services, Akure.

3. N. T. I. (2002): National Teachers Grade Two Certificate; A course

Book on Mathematics. National Teachers” Institute, Kaduna.

4. Channon et al (2008): New General Mathematics for Africa, Senior

Secondary Schools 3; Longman Group U. K.