This assignment is more difficult. The aim is to inscribe a circle in the given triangle, as follows:

  • First, make a macro to construct angle bisectors of arbitrary angles
  • Apply this macro to get the center of the inscribed circle. 
  • Finally, construct the circle itself.

 

Here are the steps in the construction:

  • Select the macro generation tool . Notice the icon changes to , indicating that you are to provide the inputs for your macro. Below the construction window, you are prompted "Macro Parameters: Parameter objects?"
  • As parameters, select C, A and then B. Click the macro icon once more. The icon changes to , indicating that you should provide the targets (i.e. outputs) for your macro.
  • As a target, select the angle bisector (green ray). Click the macro icon once more. The "Define Macro" dialog box will appear.
  • In the dialog, name the macro "angle bisector" . In the "Macro Comment" box type in "calculates angle bisector from three points on an angle". Make sure "Hide construction" and "Hide Duplicates" are both checked.
  • In the first three "Parameter Prompt(s)" boxes type: "Point on one of the angle", "Angle vertex", "Point on other side of the angle".  (This step is optional: these prompts will display when the macro is run).
  • Click "OK"  at the bottom of  the "Define Macro" dialog box to close it.
  • Next, right click in the construction window and select the macro you just created. Create an angle bisector for angle <ABC by selecting first point A, then B, then C.
  • As in the previous step, create the third angle bisector for the triangle. The three angle bisectors should intersect at a single point, which is -- the incenter!
  • Use the Perpendicular line tool  and create a perpendicular line to line AC going through the incenter.
  • Select the Circle tool . With the intersection of the angle bisector lines as center, create a circle that contains the intersection of the perpendicular line and line AC. Notice that the circle is indeed inscribed in the triangle!

Solution