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LostInParadise's avatar

Can you solve this reverse geometry problem?

Asked by LostInParadise (31907points) April 20th, 2012

I am sure you all know how to plot points on a grid. How about going in the other direction. You are given two points on a circular piece of paper along with their coordinates. The x coordinates of the two points are different and so are the y coordinates. The scaling is the same for both x and y. Using a ruler (not just a straightedge), a compass and, if necessary, a protractor, can you draw the coordinate axes?

I think this would make a good problem for a geometry class. The problem requires no knowledge of either Euclidean geometry or algebra.

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