Question

Draw a line segment AB = 2 cm. Divide it externally in the ratio of 5:3.

Answer 1

Step1: Draw a line segment AB of length 2 cm

Step2: draw a ray at any angle below AB from A

Now we have to divide the segment AB in ratio 5:3 externally which is greater than 1. So 5 parts will be the segment AB and 3 parts will be externally added, so we have to divide the ray into 8 (5 + 3 = 8) parts

Step3: Take any distance in compass and keep the needle of the compass on point A and draw an arc intersecting the ray drawn in step2. Name the intersection point as X₁. Keeping the distance same in compass keep the needle on point X₁ and mark an arc intersecting ray at X₂. Draw 8 such parts, i.e. upto X₈

Step4: Join X₅B. Extend AB and draw a line parallel to X₅B which intersects the extended AB at C. Hence C divides externally the segment AB