Question 32
Construct the following 6-pointed star. Note that it has a rotational symmetry.

- A 6-pointed star (hexagram) is constructed by drawing two overlapping, concentric equilateral triangles pointing in opposite directions.
- By inscribing these triangles inside a circle, we can divide the circle into equal parts using the radius length of the circle.
- Connecting alternate vertices forms the two equilateral triangles that create the star with -fold rotational symmetry.
Step 1 · Draw the Base Circle
Draw a circle of any convenient radius with center using a compass.
Step 2 · Mark Six Equally Spaced Points on the Circle
- Mark a point anywhere on the circle's circumference as the top vertex.
- Keeping the compass opening equal to the radius of the circle, place the compass pointer at and cut an arc on the circle to mark point .
- With the same radius, place the compass pointer at and mark point .
- Repeat this process from to mark , from to mark , and from to mark .
- The final arc from will meet point , dividing the circle into six equal arcs.

Step 3 · Draw the First Equilateral Triangle
Connect alternate points on the circumference:
- Join to
- Join to
- Join to
This forms the first equilateral triangle, .
Step 4 · Draw the Second Equilateral Triangle
Connect the remaining alternate points:
- Join to
- Join to
- Join to
This forms the second equilateral triangle, .
Step 5 · Form the 6-Pointed Star
The intersection of the two equilateral triangles and forms a regular -pointed star.
- Outer vertices:
- Inner intersection points: Form a regular hexagon with vertices

The required -pointed star is constructed by overlapping two congruent equilateral triangles inscribed in a circle.
- Changing Compass Radius: Changing the compass opening while marking the points on the circle circumference. The compass opening must remain strictly equal to the original radius.
- Connecting Consecutive Points: Connecting adjacent points instead of alternate points produces a regular hexagon rather than a -pointed star.
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