Chapter 6 Basic Geometric Constructions 183
Using a Compass and Triangle
(Manual Procedure)
A hexagon is a polygon with six sides.
A regular hexagon has six equal sides and
six equal interior angles. A hexagon can be
constructed based on the distance across the
fl ats (opposite sides). In this construction, the fl
hexagon is circumscribed about a circle with a
diameter equal to the distance across the flats. fl
1. With a compass, draw a circle equal in
diameter to the given distance across the
fl ats, fl Figure 6-31A.
2. With a T-square and a 30°-60° triangle,
draw lines tangent to the circle,
Figure 6-31B.
3. Draw the remaining sides to form the
required hexagon, Figure 6-31C.
Construct a
Hexagon with
the Distance across the
Flats Given
CAD
Figure 6-31. Constructing a hexagon when the distance across the fl ats is given. The hexagon can be drawn
with two parallel fl ats in a vertical position or in a horizontal position.
Distance
across flats
A B
Distance
across flats
C
Distanceflats
across
D
using the distance across the flats is fl
shown in Figure 6-31D.
Using the Polygon Command
(CAD Procedure)
1. The distance across the fl ats is given. fl
Refer to Figure 6-31A.
2. Enter the
Polygon
command and specify
the number of sides as six.
3. Specify a center point for the hexagon.
4. Enter the
Circumscribed
option.
5. Specify the radius. The radius is equal to
half the distance across the fl ats. If you fl
move the cursor, the hexagon is drawn
dynamically. Enter coordinates to specify
the radius and direction, or use direct
distance entry.
6. The hexagon is generated automatically.
Refer to Figure 6-31C.