How to Enlarge Shapes with a Centre of Enlargement

Design and Technology students sometimes have to enlarge an existing shape using a graphic method (this means you must enlarge a shape without using a calculator to work out the new dimensions). The method below uses one point perspective to graphically enlargement a shape. Existing parts of the drawing are first used to identify the … Read more

How to Construct an Octagon with a Compass and Straightedge

High school Design and Technology students are often asked to construct a regular octagon. This article illustrates two methods: using a compass and straight edge when given a circle; drawing an octagon from a square; and how to construct an octagon with set squares when given one side. How to draw a regular octagon inside … Read more

How to Draw an N-Sided Polygon

Design and Technology students are often required to construct geometric shapes. While hexagons and octagons are relatively straightforward to draw, other regular geometric shapes are more complicated. This article contains as single method that can be used to construct any regular polygon, such as pentagons, heptagon, and nonagons. How to draw a regular n-sided polygon … Read more

How to Construct a Hexagon with a Compass and Straightedge

This article provides illustrations and instructions to help students construct a hexagon using a compass and straight edge using a range of methods. How to draw a hexagon when given a circle (compass method) You can also use this method when you know the distance “across the corners,” (AC) as this distance will tell you … Read more

How to Construct a Triangle with a Compass and Straightedge

High school Design and Technology students are often required to have the technical drawing skill to construct basic geometric shapes. This article explains how to construct triangles using only a compass and straightedge (such as set square or ruler). How to construct a triangle when given three sides How to draw an equilateral triangle when … Read more