How to Use a Geometric Compass
A compass is a tool that can be used to draw perfect circles. You can measure a specific radius for a circle using a compass and it will be easy for you to draw it accurately. You only require a ruler, a compass and a pencil and you are good to go. The ruler will help you measure the radius of a circle, the pencil will help you draw, while the compass will make sure that the circle can be drawn accurately with the radius staying consistent throughout. A perfect circle would have the same radius from any point in the circumference.
Instructions
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1
You first need to put a pencil inside the compass. While a few compasses have a built-in lead, there are others which require a pencil. Simply take a pencil and insert it in the hole which is specifically made for you to set up your pencil. Make sure the pencil has been sharpened so that there are no issues while you are drawing a circle. In case the pencil keeps slipping down, use the screw to tighten it up in order to hold it. Another thing which you must keep in check is the fact that when you close the compass, the point of the pencil and the point of your compass must be in line.
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2
First, open up the compass and grab a ruler. The ruler will help you calculate the radius for your circle. Open up the compass to the desired radius and you are good to go.
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3
Now, grab a paper on which you want to draw the circle.
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4
Once you have the paper, make sure that you put the point of the compass in a place where the whole circle can be completed. If you pick one edge of the paper, there are chances that you will not be able to draw a full circle. Therefore, centre of the page is a good place to start drawing your circle.
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5
Now, with the point of the compass on the paper, place the point of the pencil on the paper as well.
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Now simply rotate the compass on the paper and you will notice that the pencil will start marking a circumference around it. Make sure that the compass point does not move at all and only your pencil is in motion. In case the point of your compass moves, you won't get a perfect circle.
