How Do You Construct A Circle To Two Tangents?
You can construct a circle from two non-parallel lines such that the circle fits snugly against the lines–in other words, so the lines are tangent to the circle. Such a problem may come up in a geometry class to practice shape construction. You can solve the problem with a straightedge and compass, algebraically or using calculus. Using a straightedge and compass, though not the most exact approach, is the fastest. Denote the two lines to be made tangent to the circle as Lines 1 and 2. Draw a line perpendicular to Line 1. Draw it through Line 1 at any point except where Line 1 and 2 intersect. Extend this line to intersect Line 2 as well. Denote the segment of this line between Lines 1 and 2 by the letter S. Measure where the middle of the segment S is and mark it. Draw a line perpendicular to Line 2 through the midpoint of S. Denote the segment perpendicular to Line 1 and running from Line 1 to the midpoint of S by S1. Denote the segment perpendicular to Line 2 and running from Line
