Construct an equilateral triangle, given its side and justify the construction.
Answer
Steps of constructions:
Step 1: A line segment AB=4 cm is drawn.
Step 2: With A and B as centres, two arcs are made.
Step 4: With D and E as centres, arcs are made to cut the previous arc respectively and forming angle of 60° each.
Step 5: Lines from A and B are extended to meet each other at C.
Thus, ABC is the required triangle formed.
Justification:
By construction,
AB = 4 cm, ∠A = 60° and ∠B = 60°
We know that,
∠A + ∠B + ∠C = 180° (Sum of the angles of a triangle)
⇒ 60° + 60° + ∠C = 180°
⇒ 120° + ∠C = 180°
⇒ ∠C = 60°
BC = CA = 4 cm (Sides opposite to equal angles are equal)
AB = BC = CA = 4 cm
∠A = ∠B = ∠C = 60°
