What are the Geometric Tools?
Geometric tools are instruments used to draw shapes like line, circle, square, rectangle, triangle, etc. These tools include a ruler, compass, divider, set-squares and protractor.
Ruler
A ruler is a tool for geometry that can measure and draw lines that are straight. It has two parts:
- A flat edge, which can be used to make shapes or line segments;
- And the marks of units on its sides can be used to find and easily make line segments of certain lengths.
Compass
A compass is a tool that has two parts – a sharp point and a holder for a pencil. It can be used to make circles and angles. A compass works by keeping the distance between the point and the pencil constant as you move the pencil around the point. The point acts as the center of the circle and the distance between the point and the pencil is the radius of the circle. To make an angle, you can use a compass to draw an arc that intersects two line segments. Then you can use a protractor to measure the angle between the line segments. A compass is a very useful tool for geometry and art.
Divider
A divider is a tool that has two sharp points, similar to a compass. However, it does not have a pencil holder, so it cannot draw shapes by itself. It can only compare the sizes of different shapes that are made of line segments. With a ruler, a divider can help in making line segments with high accuracy. A divider works by adjusting the distance between the points to match the length of a line segment. Then you can use the divider to measure or mark other line segments of the same length. A divider is a very handy tool for geometry and measurement.
Set square
A set square is a tool for geometry that has the shape of a triangle with one right angle. It is used for drawing or measuring angles, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, and other shapes. There are two kinds of set squares in most basic geometric toolsets:
- One that has two equal sides and angles of 45°, 45° and 90°; and one that has three different sides and angles of 30°, 60° and 90°.
- A set square can be used to draw or measure angles, parallel lines, perpendicular lines, and other shapes
A set square is very useful for engineering and technical drawing, as well as for woodworking and furniture making. You can use a set square with a ruler to draw parallel or perpendicular lines, or to mark out right angles before cutting any joint. You can also use a set square to check if the edges of your workpiece are straight and square
Protractor
A protractor is a device used to measure and draw angles. A protractor is usually a semi-circle or a full circle with degrees marked on it. You can use a protractor to measure the size of an angle by aligning one side of the angle with the base of the protractor and reading the degree where the other side of the angle meets the protractor. You can also use a protractor to draw an angle of a given size by marking the degree on the protractor and drawing a line from the centre of the protractor to that point.
