Construct a triangle given SSS

If you are given the three sides of a triangle, you can construct it as follows.

Given:  Sides AB, AC and BC, construct triangle ABC.

 

Solution:

First construct one of the sides—say AB:

 

Next set the compass to radius AC and draw an arc with center A:

Then set the compass to radius BC, place its point at B on the constructed line, and draw another arc so it intersects the previous arc giving point C:

Finally, use the straight-edge to draw sides AC and BC.

 

Here is an animation showing this construction.

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