Walmart Protractor (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between a compass and a protractor? ›

A ruler is for measuring segments and drawing segments of a specific length. A protractor can be used to measure angles as well as draw angles of a specific measure. A compass constructs circles and copies segments without measuring.

Protractors are designed to help you measure and draw angles. You can make a rhombus or an isosceles triangle with a protractor. A protractor can help you measure existing angles too, like if you're taking a geometry test and need to compare angle measurements.

Clinometers, digital instruments used for angular measurement, are fast replacing conventional angle measurement instruments, such as simple protractors. This is because clinometers are easier to handle, more reliable and provide precise readings.

However, if you don't have a protractor handy, you can determine the size of an angle using the basic geometric principles of triangles. You'll need a scientific calculator to solve the equations. Most smartphones are equipped with them, but you can also download a free app or access a free calculator online.

Learners commonly make mistakes because they are not using the correct scale when measuring the angle between two lines. The point to remember when measuring angles is that you need to start at zero on one of the lines and read round on that scale to see the number on the second line.

If the angle to be measured is on the left-hand side from the center of the protractor, we use the outer readings of the protractor and if the angle to be measured is on the right-hand side of the center, we use the inner readings.

The term goniometry derives from two Greek words, γωνία (gōnía) 'angle' and μέτρον (métron) 'measure'. The protractor is a commonly used type in the fields of mechanics, engineering, and geometry. The first known description of a goniometer, based on the astrolabe, was by Gemma Frisius in 1538.

We can use protractor to construct various types of angles. Also, there are methods by which we can construct some specific angles such as 60°, 30°, 120°, 90°, 45°, etc., without using protractor. Hence, these angles can be constructed using a compass and ruler.

Constructing a 60° angle

open the compass to the same dimensions as our original line. place the point of the compass on one end of the line and draw an arc. repeat this at the other end and the arcs should intersect where the tip of the triangle should be.

Can you use a compass to measure? ›

The function of a magnetic compass is to measure the angle between the Earth's magnetic field and a target you have pointed the compass towards. All magnetic compasses have a magnetized element that is free to rotate and align itself with the Earth's magnetic field.