How to draw a regular hexagon, square and triangle

This video can not be played

To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.

A one-minute video showing how to draw a regular hexagon, square and triangle.

Image caption,
Click to see a step-by-step slideshow.
Image caption,
WHAT YOU NEED: ruler, compass, pencil, paper.
Image caption,
STEP 1: Using a pencil and ruler, draw a horizontal line. Set the compass to the width of the line. Place the compass at either end of the line and draw two arcs that cross in the middle.
Image caption,
STEP 2: Place the compass at the point where the two arcs meet and draw a circle. Place the compass at either end of the horizontal line and extend the arcs so that they cross the circle.
Image caption,
STEP 3: Place the compass at the points where the arcs cross the circle and draw a small arc, crossing the circle further up.
Image caption,
STEP 4: Using a pen, place a dot at every point where the arcs cross the circle. Use a ruler and pen to join the dots – you now have a regular hexagon.
Image caption,
Use a ruler and pencil to draw two vertical lines from the end of the horizontal line. Use a pen to draw a dot where the vertical lines meet the arcs. Use a pen and ruler to draw over the vertical lines and join the dots, giving you a square.
Image caption,
Use a pen to draw a dot where the arcs meet directly above the original horizontal line. Use a ruler and pen to join the ends of the line to the dot – you now have a regular equilateral triangle.
Image caption,
You’ve done it! You now know how to draw a regular hexagon, square and triangle.