A polygon is said to be inscribed in a circle if all of the vertices of the polygon lie on the circumference of the circle. By this definition, the sides of the polygon are also chords of the circle, and the angles are inscribed angles.

Using only a compass, straight edge, pencil, and piece of paper, construct each of the following regular polygons. Then answer the questions at the bottom of the page.

Equilateral triangle inscribed in a circle

Follow along with the video below to construct your own equilateral triangle inscribed in a circle.

Regular hexagon inscribed in a circle

Follow along with the video below to construct your own regular hexagon inscribed in a circle.

Square inscribed in a circle

Follow along with the video below to construct your own square inscribed in a circle.

Summary questions

1. How can you be certain that the sides of each polygon are all the same length?

2. Why do you think the steps for constructing a regular hexagon and an equilateral triangle start off the same?

3. Do you think it is possible to construct other regular polygons inscribed in a circle (for example, a regular octagon)? If so, try a construction and explain your steps. If not, explain why not.

4. Do you think that there are any types of regular polygons that cannot be inscribed in a circle? Explain your reasoning.

Outcomes

I.G.CO.13

Construct an equilateral triangle, a square, and a regular hexagon inscribed in a circle.

Investigation: Construct polygons inscribed in circles