Learn
Prepare the drawing
Get a pencil, paper, ruler, and set square. Draw line a and a point P away from it. Your task is to draw a line through P parallel to a.
Align and slide
Align one edge of the set square with line a. Place the ruler against another edge and hold it still. Slide the set square along the ruler without turning it until the drawing edge reaches P.
Draw and check
Draw through P along the same edge. Label the new line a₁. Write a ∥ a₁, meaning a is parallel to a₁. To draw parallels to both arms of an angle, realign the tools for the second arm and repeat.
Try it yourself
Draw an angle with vertex O and mark a point P away from its arms. Through P, draw a parallel to the line containing the first arm, then a parallel to the line containing the second arm.
See an example answer
Check three things: both new lines pass through P; each is parallel to its corresponding arm; you did not turn the set square while sliding. Realign the tools before sliding for the second arm.
Check your knowledge
Choose one answer for each question. You can revise your answers and check again.
Answer key
- The ruler. The ruler acts as a fixed guide.
- No. Turning it would change the direction of the drawing edge.
- When the drawing edge passes through P. The new line must pass through the given point P.
- Is parallel to. We use the symbol to mark parallel lines.
- Realign the tools with the second arm. Before sliding again, align the drawing edge with the second arm.