An equilateral triangle has three sides that are the same length, connected by three angles that are equal in width. Drawing an equilateral triangle by hand is a challenge in itself. However, you can use a circle object to mark the corners. Make sure you use a ruler to make straight lines! Continue reading to learn how to draw an equilateral triangle.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using the Term
Step 1. Draw a straight line
Place the ruler on the paper, then draw a line with a pencil along the edge of the ruler. This line will form one of the sides of the equilateral triangle, meaning that there are two more lines to be made that are exactly the same length, each forming an angle of 60° with the first line. Make sure there is enough space to draw all three sides of the triangle!
Step 2. Extend the first line with a compass
Attach the pencil to the compass, and make sure the pencil is sharp! Place the point of the compass on one end of the line, and place the tip of the compass on the other end of the line.
Step 3. Create a quarter circle arc
Do not change the point of the compass, and do not change the "width" between the tip of the pointer to the tip of the pencil. Rotate the tip of the pencil from the starting line in a direction away from the top.
Step 4. Change the long position
Without changing the width of the compass, move the shoot of the compass to the other end of the line.
Step 5. Create a second arc
Carefully rotate the tip of the compass so that the new arc crosses the first one that was drawn earlier.
Step 6. Mark the point where the two arcs meet
This is the vertex of the triangle. Its position is right in the middle of the line you drew. Now you can draw two straight lines to this point from each end of the "base" line of the triangle.
Step 7. Complete your equilateral triangle
Using a ruler, draw two more straight lines. The two lines are the other sides of the triangle. Connect each end of the first line to the point of intersection of the two arcs above it. Make sure you make straight lines. To complete this task, delete the two created arcs so that only the triangle remains!
- Consider tracing this triangle onto another page of paper. This way, you will create a new triangle without having to delete the arc.
- If you need a larger or smaller triangle, repeat the process adjusting the length of the triangle's baseline. The longer the sides, the bigger the triangle!
Method 2 of 3: Using Objects whose Basic Shapes are Circles
If you can't get a compass or bow, use an object with a circular base to make a bow. This method is essentially the same as using a term, but it must be used wisely!
Step 1. Select an object that is circular in shape
Take advantage of any object with a circular base, such as a bottle or soup can. Try using a roll of adhesive or a CD. If this object will be used to create an arc that replaces the created arc with a compass, choose an object that is the right size. With this method, each side length of an equilateral triangle will be equal to the radius (half the diameter) of the circle object.
If using a CD, imagine an equilateral triangle that fits into the top right quadrant of the CD
Step 2. Create the first side
This side must be exactly equal to the length of the circle's radius – the distance from the edge of the circle to the center. Make sure the lines are perfectly straight!
- If you have a ruler, just measure the diameter of the circle object and draw a straight line that is half the diameter.
- If you don't have a ruler, place the circle on a piece of paper, then trace around the circle with a pencil. Take your circle object, so that it looks like a perfect circle. Use a straight-edge object to draw a line that crosses the exact center of the circle, that is, a point that is exactly the same distance as any point on the circle's circumference.
Step 3. Use a circular object to create an arc
Place a circular object over the line you just created, with the edge of the circle at the end of one of the lines. To be accurate, make sure your line runs right down the center of the circle. Use a pencil to make an arc, about a quarter of the circumference of the circle.
Step 4. Make one more bow
Now, move the circle object so that its edge touches the other end of the line. Make sure that the line passes through the exact center of the circle. Draw another quarter-circle that crosses the first arc at a point directly above the base line of the triangle. This point is the vertex of the triangle.
Step 5. Complete the triangle
Make another side of the triangle. Draw two straight lines connecting the ends of the triangle's base line to its vertex. Your equilateral triangle is now perfectly drawn!
Method 3 of 3: Using a Ruler
Step 1. Draw the first side
Use a ruler or a straight-edge object to draw straight lines of the appropriate length. This line is the first side of your triangle, and each of the other sides will be the same length and make sure it's the right size!
Step 2. Use a protractor to measure a 60° angle at one end of the line
Step 3. Draw the second side
Measure a new line that is the same length as the first line. Starting from the end of the starting line that has been measured at an angle of 60°. Start at the corner point, and draw a straight line using the straight edge of the protractor until you reach the next "point".
Step 4. Complete the triangle
Using the straight edge of the protractor, create the last side of your triangle. Connect the dot at the end of the second line with the end of the first line that is still not connected to any line. Your equilateral triangle is now finished.
Tips
- Use a compass that has a lock so you don't accidentally change the width of the compass.
- Don't make a thick bow with a compass, just make light strokes for easy erasing.
- The term method is generally more precise because it does not rely on correct angle measurements.
