Henry Ernest Dudeney/Modern Puzzles/124 - Drawing a Straight Line
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Modern Puzzles by Henry Ernest Dudeney: $124$
- Drawing a Straight Line
- If we want to describe a circle we use an instrument that we call a pair of compasses,
- but if we need a straight line we use no such instrument --
- we employ a ruler or other straight edge.
- In other words, we first seek a straight line to produce our required straight line,
- which is equivalent to using a coin, saucer of other circular object to draw a circle.
- Now, imagine yourself in such a position that you cannot obtain a straight edge --
- not even a piece of thread.
- Could you devise a simple instrument that would draw your straight line,
- It is an interesting question, but, of course, of no practical value.
- We shall continue to use the straight edge.
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Sources
- 1926: Henry Ernest Dudeney: Modern Puzzles ... (previous) ... (next): Geometrical Problems: Various Geometrical Puzzles: $124$. -- Drawing a Straight Line
- 1968: Henry Ernest Dudeney: 536 Puzzles & Curious Problems ... (previous) ... (next): Geometrical Problems: Plane Geometry Puzzles: $303$. Drawing a Straight Line