CABRI GEOMETRY ™ II Plus

User Manual
 WELCOME !

Welcome to the dynamic world of Cabri Geometry™ !

The original version of Cabri Geometry™ was created in the eighties,

in the research laboratories of CNRS (Centre National De Recherche
Scientifique) and at the Joseph Fourier University in Grenoble. Fifteen
years later, there are more than ten million users of the software,
using Cabri Geometry™ on personal computers operating under
Mac® OS and Windows®, also on the TI-92, TI-92 Plus, TI Voyage™
200, TI-89 and TI-83 Plus calculators from Texas Instruments®. Cabri
Geometry™ is currently developed and distributed by Cabrilog, a
company which was founded in March 2000 by Jean-Marie Laborde,
director of research at CNRS, and virtual father to the Cabri family.

Computer-assisted construction of geometrical diagrams brings a

new dimension to the classical method of construction using
paper, pencil, ruler and compasses. In fact, once a diagram has
been constructed, it can be freely manipulated. Conjectures can
be formulated and tested. Measurements and calculations can be
made. Part of the diagram can be erased, or the whole thing
redrawn from the beginning... Once the diagram is complete, the
intermediate constructions can be hidden, colour or broken lines
can be added, as can text. The diagram is then ready for distribu-
tion over the Internet, or for incorporation into another document.

Cabri Geometry™ II Plus is a new version of the Cabri Geometry™ II

software. It has many new features which make it even more power-
ful and easy to use. In addition, this version has had the bugs of the
old version corrected, and includes much of the functionality request-
ed by its users. Cabri Geometry™ II Plus is hereafter mentioned as
Cabri Geometry™.

This manual is in three sections. Part one [I] “DISCOVERY -

INTERMEDIATE TUTORIAL” is designed for new users, and suggests
activities at secondary school level. Part two [II] “REFERENCE
SECTION” is the complete reference document for the software.
Finally, Part three [III] “MOVING ON - ADVANCED TUTORIAL” suggests
more advanced activities for advanced level or undergraduate work.

3
 The various activities in the first two parts are largely independent
of each other. The reader is invited to duplicate the detailed con-
struction methods, then try the listed exercises. The exercises
marked with an asterisk (*) are more difficult.

Before using Cabri Geometry™ for the first time, we recommend

that new users read the introductory chapter [1] “STARTING OUT -
BASIC TUTORIAL”, to familiarise themselves with the Cabri
Geometry™ interface, and with the conventions for using the
mouse. However, experience shows that the learning curve for
Cabri Geometry™ is steep, and that in class, students are already
“doing” geometry within half an hour of loading the software.

Our website, www.cabri.com, will give you access to the latest

updates and product news, and in particular the evolutions of
this manual. The website also has links to dozens of Internet
pages, and information concerning books about geometry and
Cabri Geometry™.

All the Cabrilog team wishes you many fascinating hours of con-
structions, explorations and discoveries.

© 2003 CABRILOG SAS

Initial author: Eric Bainville
Translation: Sandra Hoath and Chartwell Yorke
Latest update: 26th June 2003
New versions: www.cabri.com
Mistakes: support@cabri.com
Graphic design & page lay-out: LaDyBird - OMNIA holding, France

4
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER 1
p 13
STARTING OUT - BASIC TUTORIAL

1.1 PHILOSOPHY 1.1 p 13

1.2 USER INTERFACE 1.2 p 14

1.3 USING THE MOUSE 1.3 p 16

1.4 FIRST CONSTRUCTION 1.4 p 18

PART ONE
Discovery - Intermediate Tutorial

CHAPTER 2 p 27
THE EULER LINE

CHAPTER 3 p 35
HUNT THE POINT

CHAPTER 4 p 41
THE VARIGNON QUADRILATERAL

PART TWO
Reference Section

CHAPTER 5 p 49
OBJETCS AND TOOLS

5.1 POINT 5.1 p 49

5.2 LINE 5.2 p 50

5.3 LINE SEGMENT 5.3 p 51

5.4 RAY 5.4 p 51

7
 p 52 5.5
5.5 VECTOR

p 52 5.6 5.6 TRIANGLE

p 52 5.7 5.7 POLYGON

p 53 5.8 5.8 CIRCLE

p 54 5.9 5.9 CIRCULAR ARC

p 54 5.10 5.10 CONIC

p 55 5.11 5.11 LOCUS

p 56 5.12 5.12 TRANSFORMATION

p 57 5.13 5.13 MACRO

p 59 5.14 5.14 NUMBER

p 61 5.15 5.15 PROPERTY

p 62 5.16 5.16 EXPRESSION

p 62 5.17 5.17 TEXT

p 63 5.18 5.18 MARK ANGLE

p 64 5.19 5.19 AXES

p 64 5.20 5.20 GRID

p 65 5.21 5.21 TABULATE

p 67 CHAPTER 6

INVESTIGATIVE TOOLS

p 67 6.1 6.1 TRACE

p 67 6.2 6.2 FIX / FREE

p 67 6.3 6.3 REDEFINITION

p 68 6.4 6.4 ANIMATION

p 68 6.5 6.5 RECORDING THE SESSION

p 69 6.6 6.6 HISTORY WINDOW

8
 CHAPTER 7 p 71
ATTRIBUTES
7.1 COLOUR 7.1 p 71

7.2 FILL COLOUR 7.2 p 72

7.3 TEXT COLOUR 7.3 p 73

7.4 POINT STYLE AND SIZE 7.4 p 73

7.5 LINE STYLE AND THICKNESS, SMART LINES 7.5 p 73

7.6 CHARACTERS AND ALIGNMENT 7.6 p 73

7.7 EQUATIONS AND FIGURES 7.7 p 74

7.8 PICTURES / TEXTURES ATTACHED TO OBJECTS 7.8 p 74

7.9 “ON THE FLY” USE OF THE ATTRIBUTE BAR 7.9 p 74

CHAPTER 8 p 77
PREFERENCES AND
CUSTOMISATION

8.1 DIALOG BOX FOR PREFERENCES 8.1 p 77

8.1.1 Loci Options 8.1.1 p 78

8.1.2 Default Styles 8.1.2 p 78

8.1.3 Geometry System 8.1.3 p 78

8.1.4 System Options 8.1.4 p 79

8.1.5 Display Precision and Units 8.1.5 p 79

8.1.6 Equation or Coordinates 8.1.6 p 80

8.2 CUSTOMISED TOOLBARS 8.2 p 80

8.3 LANGUAGE 8.3 p 81

CHAPTER 9 p 83
USER INTERFACE

9.1 MENU BAR 9.1 p 83

1• File p 83
2• Edit p 84

9
 p 84 3• Options
p 84 4• Window
p 85 5• Session
p 85 6• Help
p 85 7• Others

p 86 9.2 9.2 TOOLBAR

p 87 1• Manipulation
p 87 2• Points
p 88 3• Lines
p 88 4• Curves
p 89 5• Constructions
p 90 6• Transformations
p 90 7• Macros
p 90 8• Properties
p 91 9• Measurements
p 92 10• Text and symbols
p 92 11• Attributes
p 93 11• Calculator

p 95 9.3 9.3 ATTRIBUTES BAR

CHAPTER 10
p 97
EXPORTING AND PRINTING

PART THREE
Moving on - Advanced Tutorial

p 101 CHAPTER 11

PEDAL TRIANGLES

p 107 CHAPTER 12

FUNCTIONS

10
 CHAPTER 13 p 113
TESSELLATIONS I

CHAPTER 14 p 119
TESSELLATIONS II

INDEX
p 125

Notes

11
 CHAPTER 1

STARTING OUT - BASIC TUTORIAL

1.1 PHILOSOPHY 1.1

The philosophy behind Cabri Geometry™ is to provide the great-

est flexibility in interaction (mouse, keyboard...) between the user
and the software, and in each case to do what the user might
expect the software to do: on the one hand by respecting the
industry standards, on the other hand by following the most
plausible mathematical route.

A Cabri Geometry document consists of a diagram which can be

drawn freely anywhere on a virtual 1m square sheet of paper.
A diagram consists of standard geometrical objects (points, lines,
circles...) and other objects (numbers, text, formulae...).

A document can also contain construction macros, which enable

intermediate constructions to be memorized and reproduced,
which extends the functionality of the software. Cabri Geometry
allows several documents to be open simultaneously.

13
 1.2 1.2 USER INTERFACE

Figure 1.1 – The Cabri Geometry window and its different regions.

Figure 1.1 shows Cabri Geometry’s main window and its different
regions. When Cabri Geometry™ is first loaded, the Attributes tool-
bar, the help window and the text window are not displayed.

The title bar displays the diagram’s filename, or Figure 1,

2... if the diagram has not yet been saved.

The menu bar enables the user to draw on the application’s

commands, which correspond to the usual software commands.
In the rest of this manual, we shall designate the command
Action from the Menu menu by [Menu]Action. For example,
[File]Save As... designates Save As... from the File menu.

The toolbar displays the tools which enable the diagram to be

created and modified. It consists of several toolboxes, each of
which displays one tool from the toolbox as an icon on the bar.
The active tool is shown as a pressed button, with a white back-
ground. The other tools are shown as unpressed buttons with a
grey background. A brief, single click on a button activates the
corresponding tool. Click-and-hold on the button opens the tool-
box as a drop-down menu, and by dragging to another tool it

14
can be made the active one which is then displayed as the icon
for the toolbox.
The toolbar can be freely modified by the user, and ultimately
locked into a configuration for use by a class. (See the chapter:
[8] “PREFERENCES AND CUSTOMIZATION” in the [II] “REFERENCE
SECTION” of this manual.)

Figure 1.2 – Cabri Geometry’s default toolbar, with the names of the
various toolboxes.

In the remainder of this manual, we shall designate the Tool tool

from the Toolbox toolbox by [Toolbox]Tool, and show the cor-
responding icon in the margin. (Some of the labels which are too
long for the margin have been abbreviated). For example,
[lines]Ray represents the Ray tool from the lines toolbox.
The toolbar icons can be displayed in large or small format.
To change the size, move the cursor to a position to the right of
the last tool shown on the toolbar, and click with the right
mouse button (right-click).

The status bar at the bottom of the screen gives a permanent

indication of the active tool.

The attributes bar enables the attributes of different objects to be

changed: colour, style, size... It is activated by the command
[Options]Show Attributes, and de-activated by [Options]Hide
Attributes. The function key F9 can be used for the same purpose.

The help window provides outline help regarding the active

tools. It displays the tool’s anticipated “required objects”, and what
will be constructed. It is activated/de-activated by the F1 key.

15
 The history window contains a description of the diagram in
text form. It lists all the objects that have been constructed, and
the construction methods used. It is opened with the command
[Options]Show history window, and closed with [Options]Hide
history window. It can also be toggled by F10.

Finally, the drawing area shows part of the total area that is
available. It is in this drawing area that geometrical constructions
are carried out.

1.3 1.3 USING THE MOUSE

Most of the software functionality is controlled by mouse opera-

tions. The operations required are: using the mouse to move the
cursor, pressing on a button, releasing the button.
In the absence of any other indication, the button referred to is
the main mouse button, usually the left mouse button.
A brief press-and-release sequence is called a click.
A rapid press-release, press-release sequence is a double-click.
The sequence press-move-release is called drag-and-drop.

When a “modifier” key (Alt or Ctrl), is inserted in a sequence,

it is generally intended to modify the action of the key on its
own. Ctrl-click is a click which is carried out while the Ctrl
key is held down; similarly for other combinations.
When the mouse is used to move the cursor across the drawing
area, the software informs us in three ways of the anticipated
result of a click or a drag-and-drop:

• the shape of the cursor,

• a pop-up message displayed alongside the cursor,
• a partial display of the object being constructed.

Depending on the construction, the pop-up message and the par-

tial object may not be displayed.

16
The different cursors are as follows:

An existing object can be selected.

An existing object can be selected, or moved, or used in a con-

struction.

Appears when an existing object has been clicked on to select it,

or to use it in a construction.

Several selections are possible for the objects under the cursor.
A click causes a menu to appear which enables the precise
object to be selected from a pop-up list.

Appears while moving an object.

The cursor is in an unused portion of the sheet, and here a

rectangular area can be selected using click-and-drag.

Indicates the pan mode for moving the visible area of the sheet.
This mode can be entered at any time by holding down the
Ctrl key. In this mode, drag-and-drop slides the worksheet
across the window.

Appears as the worksheet is dragged.

Indicates that a click will create a new independent, movable

point on the sheet.

Indicates that a click will create a new point which is either mov-
able on an existing object, or at the intersection of two existing
objects.

Indicates that a click will fill the object under the cursor with the
current colour.

Indicates that a click will change the attribute (for example the
colour, style, thickness...) of the object under the cursor.

17
 1.4 1.4 FIRST CONSTRUCTION

As an illustration for this chapter [1] “STARTING OUT - BASIC

TUTORIAL”, we shall construct a square, given one of the diagonals.
When Cabri Geometry™ II Plus is loaded, a new, blank, virtual
drawing sheet is created, and the user can immediately start a
construction.

We shall first construct the segment which will be the diagonal of

the square. The [lines]Segment tool must be activated by clicking
on the lines icon and then holding down the mouse to open up
the toolbox. Move the cursor to the Segment tool and release the
mouse button to activate it.

Figure 1.3 – Selection of the tool

[lines]Segment.

Figure 1.4 – Construction of the first

point. A preview of the final segment
moves with the cursor until the second
point has been selected.

Figure 1.5 – The segment is complete

after the selection of the second point.
The [lines]Segment tool remains active,
enabling the user to construct another
segment.

18
Now move the cursor across the drawing area: it will assume the
form . A single click creates the first point. Continue to
move the cursor across the drawing area. A segment will extend
from the first point to the cursor, showing where the segment
will be created. The second point is also created by clicking. Our
drawing now contains two points and one line segment.

To construct the square, we first need the circle with this seg-
ment as its diameter. The centre of the circle is the midpoint of
the segment. To construct this midpoint, activate the [construc-
tions]Midpoint tool then move the cursor over the segment.
The pop-up message Midpoint of this segment is displayed
alongside the cursor, whose shape changes to .The midpoint
is marked on the segment by clicking.

Figure 1.6 – Construction of the

midpoint of a segment.

After this, activate the [curves]Circle tool and move the cursor
near to the midpoint just constructed. The pop-up message This
point as centre is then displayed. The [curves]Circle tool
requires the selection of a point as the centre of the circle, so
click on the midpoint to select it. As the cursor is moved follow-
ing this selection, a circle is displayed; so move the cursor near to
one end of the line segment, when the message Through this
point is displayed. By clicking, the circle through this point is
completed.

19
 Figure 1.7 – Construction of the circle
with the given segment as diameter.

Change to the [manipulation]Pointer tool to alter the diagram.

The only movable points of the diagram are the endpoints of the
line segment. When the cursor is moved over one of them, its
shape becomes and the pop-up message “This point” is
displayed. The point can then be moved by drag-and-drop and
the entire diagram is automatically updated: the segment is
redrawn, the midpoint moves to follow suit, as does the circle.

To construct our square we just need the other diagonal, which is

the diameter of the circle, perpendicular to the original segment.
We shall construct the perpendicular bisector of the segment: a
line, perpendicular to the segment, through its midpoint.
Activate the [constructions]Perpendicular bisector tool, and then
select the segment by clicking on it. The perpendicular bisector is
constructed.

20
 Figure 1.8 – Construction of the per-
pendicular bisector of the line segment,
to determine the other diagonal of the
square.

To complete the square, activate the [lines]Polygon tool.

This tool expects the selection of a sequence of points to define
the vertices. The sequence is terminated by selecting for a sec-
ond time the initial point of the sequence, or by double-clicking
to select the last point of the sequence. The two points of inter-
section of the circle with the perpendicular bisector are not actu-
ally constructed: Cabri Geometry enables them to be constructed
implicitly as they are used.

Figure 1.9 – Construction of the square,

using implicit construction of the points of
intersection of the circle and the perpendi-
cular bisector.

21
 In other words, select one endpoint of the segment (pop-up
message This point) as the first vertex of the polygon, then
move the cursor to one of the points of intersection of the circle
and the perpendicular bisector. A pop-up message This point
of intersection is displayed to show that a mouse-click will
construct the point of intersection and select it as the next vertex
of the polygon, so select it. Follow this with the selection of the
other endpoint of the line segment, the second point of intersec-
tion of the circle and the perpendicular bisector, and finally the
initial vertex. The square appears.

Figure 1.10 – Your first Cabri

Geometry construction!

22
 I

PART ONE
Discovery - Intermediate Tutorial

CHAPTER 2

THE EULER LINE

CHAPTER 3

HUNT THE POINT

CHAPTER 4

THE VARIGNON QUADRILATERAL

Discovery - Intermediate Tutorial

25
 Discovery

CHAPTER 2

THE EULER LINE

We shall construct a general triangle ABC, then its three medians.

These are the lines that join a vertex to the midpoint of the
opposite side. We shall then construct the three altitudes of the
triangle: the lines through each vertex in turn, perpendicular to
the opposite side. Finally we shall construct the three perpendi-
cular bisectors of the sides of the triangle: lines perpendicular to
each side, through the midpoint of the side.
It is a well-known fact that the three altitudes, the three medians
and the three perpendicular bisectors are separately concurrent,
and these points of concurrency lie on a straight line, called the
Euler 1 line of the triangle.

To construct a triangle, choose the [lines]Triangle tool. For infor-

mation on how to use the toolbar, consult the Chapter
[1] “STARTING OUT - BASIC TUTORIAL” in the previous section.
Once the [lines]Triangle tool is active, create three new points in
the drawing area, by clicking in an empty space. These points
can be labelled immediately after their creation – “on the fly” –
simply by typing their label on the keyboard. Once the triangle
has been constructed, these labels can be moved around the
points to place them, for example, outside the triangle.

Figure 2.1 – Triangle ABC is

constructed using the [lines]Triangle
tool. The vertices are labelled on the
fly by typing a letter at the time they
are created.

1
Léonard Euler,
1707-1783

27
Discovery
To move an object’s name, the [manipulation]Pointer tool must
be active. Drag the name by positioning the cursor over it, then
holding down the mouse button while dragging the mouse to
move the name to the desired location. To change the name of
an object, activate the [text and symbols]Label tool then select the
name, at which point an editing window will appear.

The midpoints are constructed, using the [constructions]Midpoint

tool. To construct the midpoint of AB, select in turn A then B.

The midpoint of a segment can be constructed equally well by

selecting the segment itself. The new point can be named “on
the fly”, say C'. The midpoints of the other sides are constructed
in the same manner: A' on BC and B' on CA.

Figure 2.2 – [Left]. The midpoints are constructed with the [constructions]
Midpoint tool, which accepts as arguments two points, a segment, or the
side of a polygon. [Right]. The medians are constructed with the [lines]Line
tool, and their colour is changed with the [attributes]Colour tool.

The [manipulation]Pointer tool enables the independent, movable

objects of a construction to be moved freely. In this case, the
three points A, B and C are the independent, movable objects.
The entire construction is updated automatically as soon as any
of them is moved. It is thus possible to explore a variety of con-
figurations for the construction. To reveal which are the movable
objects of a diagram, activate the [manipulation]Pointer tool, then
click and hold on an empty part of the drawing area which, after
a short delay, causes the movable objects to be displayed as mar-
quees (also known as “marching ants”).

28
 Discovery
The [lines]Line tool enables the three medians to be constructed.
For the line AA', click successively on A then A'.

The [attributes]Colour tool is used to change the line colour.

Select the colour from the palette, by clicking on it, and then
click on the object to be coloured.

Activate the [points]Point tool, and then move the pointer near to
the point of intersection of the three medians. Cabri Geometry™
tries to create the point of intersection of two lines but, since
there is an ambiguity (there are three concurrent lines to choose
from) a menu appears enabling the user to select which two
lines to use to construct the point. As the cursor is moved down
the list of options, the corresponding lines in the diagram are
highlighted. Label the point of intersection of the medians G.

Figure 2.3 – Construction of the point of intersection of the medians, and

the resolution of the ambiguities of a selection.

29
Discovery
The altitudes of the triangle are constructed with the [construc-
tions]Perpendicular line tool. This tool creates the unique line
which is perpendicular to a given direction, through a given
point. Therefore, select a point and: a line, a segment, a ray...
The order of selection is not important here. To construct the alti-
tude through A, select A then the side BC. The altitudes through
B and C are constructed similarly. In the same way as for the
medians, choose a colour for the altitudes, and construct their
point of intersection H.

The [constructions]Perpendicular bisector tool is used for the

construction of the perpendicular bisector of a segment. One just
needs to select the segment or its two extremities. Label O, the
point of intersection of the three perpendicular bisectors.

Figure 2.4 – [Left]. The altitudes are constructed using the [construc-
tions]Perpendicular line tool. [Right]. Finally, the perpendicular bisectors
are constructed using the [constructions]Perpendicular bisector tool.

The [properties]Collinear? tool enables us to check whether the

three points O, H and G are collinear. By selecting each of these
points in turn, then clicking somewhere on the drawing area, the
answer is displayed. The answer is displayed as a sentence say-
ing whether or not the points are collinear.
If the independent points of the diagram are moved, this text is
updated at the same time as the other parts of the diagram.

30
 Discovery
Without looking at the properties of the objects in the diagram,
the result only applies to the particular case.

The Euler line of the triangle is constructed with the [lines]Line

tool, through the three points O, H and G, by selecting, for
example, O and H. The [attributes]Thickness tool is used to
distinguish this line.

Figure 2.5 – [Left]. Collinearity check for the three points O, H and G. The
[properties]Collinear? tool creates a text message Points are collinear
or...not collinear.[Right]. The Euler line of the triangle, shown clearly by
its increased thickness, as changed by the [attributes]Thickness tool.

When the shape of the triangle is changed by moving the relative

position of the vertices, it is apparent that G is always between O
and H, and also that its relative position on the line segment
does not change. Suppose we check this by measuring the
lengths of GO and GH.
Activate the [measurement]Distance or length tool. This tool
measures the distance between two points, or the length of a line
segment, depending on the object selected. Select G and then O:
the distance from G to O appears, measured in cm. Do the same
for G and H. Once the measurement has been taken, the corre-
sponding text message can be edited by adding the characters
GO= in front of the number, for example.

31
Discovery

Figure 2.6 - [Left]. The [measurement]Distance or length tool has been

used to find the lengths of GO and GH. [Right]. Using the calculator
– [measurement]Calculate – to display the ratio GH/GO and show
that it is always equal to 2.

By making changes to the original triangle, GH can be seen to be

always twice the length of GO. Let us calculate the ratio GH/GO
to check this. Use the [measurement]Calculate tool. Select the
text message giving the distance GH, then the operator /, and
finally the text message giving GO. Click on the = key to get the
result, which can be dragged and dropped onto the drawing
area. When a number is selected ([manipulation]Pointer tool), the
number of digits displayed can be increased or decreased by
means of the + and - keys. In this way, the ratio can be displayed
with ten or so digits, to show that it is believable that this ratio is
constant and equal to 2.

Exercise 1 - Add to the diagram the circumscribed circle, centre

O, passing through A, B and C. Use the [curves]Circle tool.

Exercise 2 - Next, add the nine-point circle for the triangle. This
is the circle whose centre is at the midpoint of OH, and which
passes through the midpoints of the sides: A', B' and C', the foot
of each altitude, and the midpoint of each of the line segments
HA, HB and HC.

32
 Discovery

Figure 2.7 - The final diagram, showing the triangle with its circum-
scribed circle and “nine-point circle”.

33
 Discovery

CHAPTER 3

HUNT THE POINT

In this chapter, we shall illustrate an activity which shows the pos-

sibilities for exploration that are provided by Cabri Geometry™.
Starting from three given points A, B, C, we shall look for any
points M such that

First, however, we shall construct four points in random posi-

tions, using the [points]Point tool, labelling them A, B, C, and M
“on the fly”, i.e. by typing the appropriate letter immediately after
each point has been created.
Cabri Geometry™ allows vectors to be used. Each vector is repre-
sented by a line segment with an arrow. We now need to con-
struct the vector using the [lines]Vector tool, by selecting
first M, then A. This line segment representation of the vector has
its origin at M. Do the same for and .

Next, construct the resultant vector of using the

[constructions]Vector Sum tool. Click first on the two vectors and
then on the origin for the resultant, choosing M here. Label N,
the further extremity of the vector.

Finally construct the resultant of the three vectors, with M as its

origin, in the same way, adding (which equals )
and . Label the further extremity of this vector: P.

35
Discovery

Figure 3.1 - [Left]. Starting from any three points: A, B, C, and a further
point M, the vectors , and are drawn.
[Right]. , and are constructed,
using the [constructions]Sum of two vectors tool.

We can now look for the solution to the problem diagrammatically.

To do this, activate the [manipulation]Pointer tool and move the
point M. The resultant of the three vectors is continually updated
as M is moved around the drawing area.
The magnitude and direction of can be seen to depend on
the position of M relative to the points A, B and C. In this way,
the following conjectures (among others) can be made:

• There is only one position of M for which the resultant of

the three vectors is null: the problem has a unique solution.
The solution point is inside the triangle ABC.
• The quadrilateral MANB is a parallelogram.
• The quadrilateral MCPN is a parallelogram.
• For a zero resultant vector, the vectors and must
be collinear, and in addition they must have the same magni-
tude but opposite sense.
• always passes through the same point and this point
is the solution to the problem.
• The position of point P is dependent on M. Based on this
fact, one can define a transformation,which links P to M, and
the solution to the problem is an invariant point under the
transformation.

36
 Discovery
According to the various observations made, the investigation can
be taken in any of several directions.

Suppose for example, that the observation has been made that
vectors and must have opposite directions.
Another question then arises: for which positions of M are these
two vectors collinear? Move M in such a way that the two vectors
are collinear. It can be seen that M must lie on a straight line,
and that this line passes through C and the midpoint of AB.
The line is therefore the median of the triangle through C.
Since M is equally dependent on A, B and C, it can be seen that
M must also lie on the other two medians, and the required point
is therefore the point of intersection of the three medians.

As a class activity, the students could continue by developing a

construction of the solution point, and proving the conjecture
which resulted from the investigation.

The convincing illustrative power of a dynamic construction is

much higher than that of a static diagram drawn on a sheet of
paper. In fact, it is sufficient to manipulate the diagram to check
the conjecture in a large number of cases. A conjecture which
remains valid after a diagram has been altered will be correct in
the great majority of cases.

To use it to best effect in class, it is a good idea first to raise the

following points (among others) with the students :

• Is a dynamic construction that is visually correct actually correct?

• Is a correct dynamic construction an answer to the question?
• When can a mathematical argument be given the status of proof?
• What is missing from a dynamic construction to make it a proof?
• Must a proof be based on the procedure used to draw the diagram?

37
Discovery
Exercise 3 - Extend the problem to four points, by finding those
points M, such that:

Exercise 4* - List all the “paths of exploration” and proofs

needed for the initial problem (three points) which are available
to a student studying A-level.

Exercise 5* - Investigate and construct the points M which

minimise the sum of the distances to three points: MA + MB + MC.
The solution is the Fermat 1 point of triangle ABC.

1
Pierre Simon
de Fermat,
1601-1665

38
 Discovery

CHAPTER 4

THE VARIGNON QUADRILATERAL

In this chapter, we shall present a number of constructions based

on Varignon’s 1 Theorem.

First, construct any quadrilateral ABCD. Activate the [lines]Polygon

tool, then select four points and label them “on the fly” : A, B, C, D.
To finish off the polygon, reselect A after constructing D.

Next, construct the midpoints: P of AB, Q of BC, R of CD and S of

DA using the [constructions]Midpoint tool. This tool expects the
user to select A then B to construct the midpoint of AB.
It is equally possible to select the segment AB if this already
exists: either as a line segment, or as the side of a polygon, which
is the case here.

Finally, construct the quadrilateral PQRS, using the [lines]Polygon tool.

By altering the diagram, using the [manipulation]Pointer tool, it

can be seen that PQRS always seems to be a parallelogram.
We shall now ask Cabri Geometry™ to pronounce on whether or
not the lines PQ and RS are parallel, then similarly for PS and QR,
using the [properties]Parallel? tool. Select the side PQ, then RS,
and a text message will appear, confirming that the two sides are
indeed parallel. Check in the same way that PS and QR are parallel.

1
Pierre Varignon,
1654-1722

41
Discovery

Figure 4.1 - [Left]. Starting from any quadrilateral ABCD, the

quadrilateral PQRS is constructed with vertices at the midpoints of
the sides of ABCD. [Right]. Construction of the diagonals of PQRS,
and the demonstration that they bisect each other.

So now construct the two diagonals PR and QS, using the

[lines]Segment tool, and their point of intersection I using the
[points]Point tool. There are several ways in which it can be
demonstrated that I is the midpoint of both PR and QS, and that
PQRS is therefore a parallelogram. For example, one can use
centres of mass: P can be considered as the centre of mass of
two particles of equal mass at A and B {(A,1),(B,1)}. Similarly R is
the centre of mass of particles of equal mass at C and D
{(C,1),(D,1)}. Thus the midpoint of PR is the centre of mass of
{(A,1),(B,1),(C,1),(D,1)}. The midpoint of QS is the same thing.
Hence the two midpoints coincide: at the point of intersection I.

Varignon’s theorem is as follows:

Varignon’s Theorem. The quadrilateral PQRS whose vertices are
the midpoints of the sides of any quadrilateral ABCD, is a parallel-
ogram whose area is half that of ABCD.

Figure 4.2 - The construction

to establish the second part
of the theorem.

42
 Discovery
Exercise 6 - We have already demonstrated the first part of the
theorem. Now show that the second part of the theorem concern-
ing the area of PQRS is true. Hint: use the diagram of Figure 4.2.
Leaving A, B and C alone, move D so that PQRS appears to be a
rectangle. Since we already know that PQRS is a parallelogram, it
is sufficient to show that one of its angles is a right angle.
So, measure the angle at P, using the [measurement]Angle tool.
This tool expects the user to select three points, the vertex of the
angle being the second point. Here, for example, one should
select S, P (the vertex of the angle) and Q.

Figure 4.3 - Measuring angle

P of the parallelogram PQRS.

The [measurement]Angle tool can also be used to give the size of

an angle which has previously been marked with the [text and
symbols]Mark Angle tool. This tool also expects three points to be
selected, in the same order as for [measurement]Angle.
By moving D so that PQRS is a rectangle, it can be seen that
there is an infinity of solutions, as long as D lies on one straight
line. In fact, if the diagonals AC and BD of the quadrilateral ABCD
are drawn, it can be seen that the sides of PQRS are parallel to
them, and hence PQRS is a rectangle if and only if AC and BD are
perpendicular.
To ensure that PQRS is always a rectangle, we need to redefine
the position of D. Draw the line AC with the [line]Line tool by
selecting A and C, then draw the perpendicular to this line which
passes through B, using the [constructions]Perpendicular line
tool, selecting B and the line AC.

43
Discovery
D is currently an independent, movable point of the diagram.
We shall modify this so that it becomes a point which is con-
strained to lie on the perpendicular to AC passing through B.
Activate the tool [constructions]Redefine Object, then select D.
A menu appears listing the various options for redefining D.
Choose Point on object, then select any point on the perpen-
dicular. D moves to this point, and thereafter is constrained to be
on the designated line.
Redefinition is a powerful investigative tool, which enables the
user to increase or decrease the number of degrees of freedom of
the parts of a diagram without having to redraw it from scratch.

Figure 4.4 - Point D is now

redefined so that PQRS is
always a rectangle. D still
has one degree of freedom,
being able to move along a
line.

Exercise 7 - Find a necessary and sufficient condition that PQRS

is a square. Redefine D again, so that the construction will only
produce squares.

Figure 4.5 - Here, D has no

degrees of freedom at all, and
PQRS is always a square.

44
 II

PART TWO
Reference Section

CHAPTER 5

OBJECTS AND TOOLS

CHAPTER 6

INVESTIGATIVE TOOLS

CHAPTER 7

ATTRIBUTES

CHAPTER 8

PREFERENCES AND CUSTOMISATION

CHAPTER 9

USER INTERFACE
Reference Section

CHAPTER 10

EXPORTING AND PRINTING

47
 Reference Section

CHAPTER 5

OBJECTS AND TOOLS

This chapter lists the set of objects manipulated by Cabri

Geometry™, all the different ways of creating them, and their
attributes. The attributes and how to change them is given in
detail in the chapter [7] “ATTRIBUTES”.
All the objects can have an associated label. This consists of
alphanumeric characters attached to an object, for example, the
name of a point. When an object is created, it can immediately
be given a name, typed in on the keyboard. The label can be
changed subsequently, using the tool [text and symbols]Label.

5.1 POINT 5.1

The point object is the basis of all shapes. Cabri Geometry

manipulates points in the Euclidean plane, with special treatment
for points at infinity.
An independent, movable point can be created on the plane,
using the [points]Point tool and clicking on an empty part of the
drawing area. The point can then be moved anywhere in the
plane (using [manipulation]Pointer).
A point can be created on a line (segment, line, ray...) or on a
curve (circle, circular arc, conic, locus) either implicitly using the
tool [points]Point, or explicitly with [points]Point on object.
A point created this way can be moved freely on the object.
Finally, one can create a point of intersection of two lines/curves,
either implicitly with [points]Point, or explicitly with
[points]Intersection points. All the points of intersection of the
two objects are constructed simultaneously using
[points]Intersection points and selecting the objects.
The [constructions]Midpoint tool constructs the point which is
midway between two existing points, or the midpoint of a line
segment or side of a polygon.

49
Reference Section
The [constructions]Measurement transfer tool transfers a length
onto a ray (select the measurement and the ray), a vector (select
the measurement and the vector), an axis (select the measurement
and the axis), a circle (select the measurement, the circle and a
point on the circle), or a polygon (select the measurement and
the polygon). In all these cases a new point is constructed.
A point can be constructed as the image of a point under a trans-
formation, using one of the tools in the [transformations] toolbox.

When any other tool is used which requires the selection of a

point, this can be done by selecting an existing point, by con-
structing a point implicitly (on a line or curve, or at the intersec-
tion of lines or curves). In this case, the operation is the same as
for the [points]Point tool.

When a line or ray is being created, the second point can be

created on the fly as an explicit point by holding down the Alt
key until the position for the second point is selected.
The attributes of a point are its colour, shape, size, label, picture
(optional).

5.2 5.2 LINE

Cabri Geometry manipulates lines in the Euclidean plane, with

the additional possibility of a line of points at infinity if the treat-
ment of infinity has been activated in the preferences.

The [lines]Line tool is used to create a line through a given

point. First select the point then, by clicking, fix the direction of
the line which is otherwise rotating freely as the cursor moves.
This tool can also be used to construct a line through two points.
The second point can be created on the fly by holding down the
Alt key. In the case of a line defined by two points; if the two
points coincide, the line is undefined.
Constructing a line through one point while holding down the
Shift key, will constrain the direction of the line relative to the
“screen horizontal” to multiples of 15° (15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90…).

The tools [constructions]Perpendicular line and [constructions]

Parallel line construct the unique perpendicular or parallel line in
a direction (given by a segment, a line, a ray, a side of a poly-
gon, a vector, or an axis), passing through a given point.

50
 Reference Section
The [constructions]Perpendicular bisector tool creates the line
equidistant from two points, or the perpendicular bisector of a
line segment or side of a polygon.

The [constructions]Angle bisector tool constructs the line which

bisects an angle. By selecting the three points A, B and C, the
angle defined by the segments BA and BC is bisected.
The second point selected must be the vertex of the angle.

A line can be constructed as the image of another line under an

affine transformation by using the tools from the [transformations]
toolbox. The attributes of a line are its colour, thickness, line
style, and label.

5.3 LINE SEGMENT 5.3

The [lines]Segment tool is used to construct the segment between

two points. If the two points coincide, the segment is still
defined, but it is reduced to a point. A line segment can be con-
structed as the image of another line segment under an affine
transformation.

The attributes of a segment are its colour, thickness, line style,

endpoint style, label, and picture (optional).
Pressing Shift key will constrain the direction as for line.

5.4 RAY 5.4

The [lines]Ray tool is used to create a ray starting from a point.

First the point is selected, then, as the mouse is moved, a ray
from the point appears which pivots freely about this point until
its direction is fixed by a click. This tool will also construct a ray
starting from a first point and passing through a second point.
Alternatively, the second point can be created on the fly by hold-
ing down the Alt key. Pressing Shift key will constrain the
direction as for line.

In case of a ray defined by two points; if the two points coin-

cide, the ray is undefined. A ray can be constructed as the image
of another ray under an affine transformation.
The attributes of a ray are its colour, thickness, line style, and label.

51
Reference Section

5.5 5.5 VECTOR

A vector is defined by its two endpoints. Consequently, a vector

is manipulated as if it is a directed line segment, the sense being
shown by an arrow.

The [lines]Vector tool uses two points to construct a vector.

If the two points coincide, then the vector that has been defined
is the zero vector.

The [constructions]Vector sum tool constructs a representation of

the resultant of two vectors. The two vectors are selected, then
the point where the resultant is to start.

A vector can be constructed as the image of another vector under

an affine transformation. The attributes of a vector are its colour,
thickness, line style, label, and picture (optional).

5.6 5.6 TRIANGLE

A triangle is a polygon with three vertices. Triangles and poly-

gons are generated in the same way. Since the triangle is by far
and away the most frequently used polygon, a special tool is
available for it.

The [lines]Triangle tool uses three points to create a triangle.

It is possible to have triangles with zero area, or with two or
three coincident points.

An image triangle can be created of another triangle under an

affine transformation. The attributes of a triangle are its colour,
thickness, line style, fill colour, label, and picture (optional).

5.7 5.7 POLYGON

In mathematics, the concept of a polygon can be defined in sev-

eral ways. In Cabri Geometry, we shall call a polygon the
sequence of n segments defined by n points (n ≥ 3).

P1 P2, P2 P3…Pn -1 Pn, Pn P1

52
 Reference Section
The [lines]Polygon tool constructs a polygon using at least three
points. To finish off the construction, the first point created must
be reselected, or the final point must be created by a double-
click. If all the points are collinear, it has zero area and is repre-
sented by a line segment.

The [lines]Regular polygon tool is used to construct regular

convex polygons or stars. First select the centre of the polygon,
then the first vertex. The number of sides, and the interval
between vertices for a star, can be chosen next.

In the final phase of the construction, a pop-up message follows

the cursor to display the numbers describing the type of polygon.
For example, {5} indicates a regular pentagon, while {10/3} is a
ten-branch star, drawn by linking vertices 1, 4, 7, 10, 3, 6, 9, 2, 5,
8, and 1 of a regular decagon.

A polygon can be constructed as the image of another polygon

under an affine transformation.
The attributes of a polygon are its colour, thickness, line style, fill
colour, label, and its picture (optional) in the case of a quadrilateral.

5.8 CIRCLE 5.8

The [curves]Circle tool creates a circle anywhere on the drawing

area. First select the position of the centre, then by clicking
again, the radius of the initially variable circle is fixed. The radius
of the circle can then be changed at will. Alternatively, a second
point (which will be on the circcumference) can be created “on
the fly” by holding down the Alt key.
Pressing the Shift key constrains the radius to be integer.

The [curves]Circle tool also constructs a circle by selecting first

its centre, then a previously created point on the circumference.

A circle can be constructed as the image of another circle under

an affine transformation.
The attributes of a circle are its colour, thickness, line style, fill
colour, and its label.

53
Reference Section

5.9 5.9 CIRCULAR ARC

An arc of a circle can be determined by 2 end-points and one

intermediate point.

The [curves]Arc tool constructs an arc using three such points:

the first is an extremity, the second is an intermediate point, and
the third is the other extremity.
If the three points are collinear, the arc becomes a line segment or
the complement of a line segment (a line with a gap in it),
depending on the relative positions of the three points on the line.

An arc can be constructed as the image of another arc under an

affine transformation.

The attributes of an arc are its colour, thickness, line style, fill
colour (of the associated segment), and label.

5.10 5.10 CONIC

Cabri Geometry enables all proper conics (ellipses, parabolas,

hyperbolas) to be manipulated in the Euclidean plane.
Degenerate conics, consisting of two intersecting straight lines,
are also possible.

The [curves]Conic tool constructs a conic through five points.

If four of the points are collinear, or two of the points coincide,
no conic is created.
In contrast, if only three points are collinear, two intersecting
straight lines (a degenerate conic) are constructed.

A conic can be constructed as the image of another conic under

an affine transformation.

The attributes of a conic are its colour, thickness, line style, fill
colour, and its label.

54
 Reference Section

5.11 LOCUS 5.11

Different types of objects are created by Cabri Geometry under

the name “locus”. In general, a locus represents all those posi-
tions which can be assumed by an object A as a point M moves
on an object. Normally, the construction of A makes use of the
point M.

A locus is constructed using [constructions]Locus, first selecting

the object, A, then the variable point, M.

Object A can be one of the following types: point, line, ray, seg-
ment, vector, circle, arc, or conic. Point M can be a variable point
on any type of line or curve, including a locus, or even a point
on a grid.
Object A can equally well be a locus, then a set of loci is con-
structed.

In the case where A is a line, ray, line segment, vector, circle or

conic, the locus is either the envelope of the lines, rays... or the
entire set of the objects, depending on whether or not the box
“Envelope” has been ticked in the “Preferences” dialog box.
(See the chapter on [8] “PREFERENCES AND CUSTOMISATION”).
Vectors behave in just the same way as line segments for the
creation of a locus.

The envelope of a set of rays, line segments, or vectors is the

same as the envelope of the lines of which they are part, but
restricted to those points that they actually pass through.

In the case where A is an arc, the locus is automatically the set

of positions taken up by A.

The attributes of a locus are its colour, thickness, line style, label,
construction method (envelope or set of positions) and its draw-
ing method (continuous or set of points), the minimum number
of positions to be calculated when its representation is not con-
tinuous.

55
Reference Section

5.12 5.12 TRANSFORMATION

Cabri Geometry does not have an explicit object-type which is trans-

formation. Rather, transformations are effected by the tools. Each
tool, in applying a transformation to an object requires various ele-
ments to define it (centre, axis, angle...). Cabri Geometry enables the
usual affine and Euclidean transformations (enlargement, translation,
reflection, point symmetry, rotation) to be used, as well as inversion.
In all cases, the object must be selected, and also the elements which
define the transformation. If the object to be transformed is of the
same type as one of the elements that define the transformation, it
has to be selected first. In other cases, the order of selection is
immaterial. For example, for the point symmetry transformation of
point M with point C as centre, M is selected first, then C. For point
symmetry of line D with respect to point C, selection can be in either
order. The object to undergo a transformation can be a point, any
type of line or curve, but not a locus. For Cabri Geometry, inversion
can only transform points. To create the image of other objects under
inversion, the [constructions]Locus tool can be used.
The tool [transformations]Reflection applies orthogonal symmetry
with respect to an axis. The object for transformation is selected and
then the line which is to be taken as the axis: line, ray, segment, vec-
tor, side of polygon, axis.
The tool [transformations]Point Symmetry applies symmetry with
respect to a point (point symmetry or half-turn). The object for trans-
formation is selected and then the centre of symmetry (a point).
The tool [transformations]Translation applies a translation. The object
is selected and then the vector which defines the translation.
The tool [transformations]Enlargement applies an enlargement. The
object to be enlarged is selected, then the scale factor (a real number
on the drawing area), and the centre of enlargement (a point). Two
additional points can be used to define the factor and an angle.
The tool [transformations]Rotation applies the rotation. Select the
object to be rotated, select the centre of rotation (point) and finally
the angle of rotation. The angle of rotation can be defined by:
• 3 points, existing or created. The three points can be created on the fly
• a numerical value entered through [text and symbols]Numerical Edit tool.
The tool [transformations]Inversion constructs the inverse of a point
with respect to a circle. The point for transformation is selected, then
the circle which is invariant under the inversion or vice versa.
Remember that an inversion with centre O, and positive power k,
has invariant points on the circle, centre O, whose radius is the

56
 Reference Section
square root of k. In Cabri Geometry inversion is applied to
points. For a more powerful inversion tool replace the inversion
by a more flexible macro.

5.13 MACRO 5.13

A macro definition is based on a diagram. Once it has been

defined, a macro can be used in just the same way as any other
tool, and reproduces this part of the construction process using
the initial elements that are selected by the user.
For example, a macro can be defined which will construct a
square on a given diagonal. To define the macro, first construct
the square using any line segment as the diagonal, then select
the initial objects – here the line segment – and the final objects
– here the square – and finally save the macro. This is now a
new tool in the [macros] toolbox, which requires the selection of
a segment, upon which it constructs a square. The objects which
are created as part of the construction method are hidden, and
cannot be displayed.
To define a macro, it can be seen that the corresponding con-
struction must already have been carried out. With the construc-
tion displayed on-screen, the [macros]Initial objects tool is acti-
vated and the initial objects of the construction are selected. For
objects of the same type, the order of selection is important, and
the same order will be required when the macro is used. For ini-
tial objects of different types, the order of selection is immaterial.
The set of initial objects in the diagram flash or are displayed
with “marching ants” outlines. To add objects to or remove them
from the list of initial objects, simply click on them.
When the selection of initial objects has been completed, the
final objects must be defined. The [macros]Final objects tool is
used, with selection of members of the final objects set being
made in the same way as before. Until the macro is saved, the
sets of initial and final objects are held in memory and can be
changed at will.
Finally, the macro just has to be defined, using [macros]Define
Macro. Cabri Geometry first checks that the final objects can
indeed be constructed from the set of initial objects selected. If
this is not the case, the macro will not be defined, and an error
message is displayed: This macro-construction is not
consistent. Cabri cannot determine all final
objects with the given initial objects.

57
Reference Section
If the macro is a consistent entity, a dialog box is displayed, for
the user to edit the attributes of the macro. The only item which
must be completed is the name of the construction. All other
attributes are optional.

• Name of the construction. This is the name of the macro

as it will appear in the [macros] toolbox.

• Name of first final object. The name appears to identify the

object, as the cursor is moved over the drawing area. For exam-
ple if the macro constructs the perpendicular bisector of the seg-
ment joining two points, the name of the final object could be
This perpendicular bisector.

• Password. If a password is allocated to the macro, its intermedi-

ate construction objects are inaccessible from the History window
which displays the macro in text form. (This window is opened with
the F10 key.) An icon for the construction can be created in the
other part of the dialog box. Clicking on the “Save” button enables
the macro to be saved in a stand-alone file. The macro is saved both
in the diagram where it has been created, and in any diagram where
it is used. A macro which is loaded into a diagram is available to all
other diagrams that are open simultaneously. If a macro has the
same name as one already defined, Cabri Geometry gives the user
the choice of adding the new one to that already existing, or replac-
ing it. If the user decides to add it to the one already existing, Cabri
Geometry will choose the appropriate macro to use according to the
initial objects selected. For example, if a macro is defined with two
points as initial objects, another macro could be added to it which is
identical apart from having a segment as the initial object.
The standard tools [constructions]Perpendicular bisector and [con-
structions] Midpoint... have been added to in this way. To use the
macro, the corresponding tool in the [macros] toolbox is activated,
then the initial objects are selected. When the initial objects have
been selected, the construction follows automatically, and the new
set of final objects appears. The objects which are created as part of
the construction method are hidden, and cannot be displayed by
using the [attributes]Hide/Show tool. When a macro is used, an
object can be defined as an implicit argument of the macro by hold-
ing down the Alt key when the object is selected. When the macro
is used subsequently, it will not be necessary to select this object as
an argument: it will be selected automatically. If, for example, a
macro requires the selection of two points and a circle, and on one

58
 Reference Section
occasion two points are selected, and the Alt key is held down
while a circle is selected, then in future the macro will only require
the selection of two points but the circle is selected automatically.
This would be useful in the case of a macro designed for hyperbolic
geometry: the horizon or limiting circle of the Henri Poincaré 1
model can be implicitly added to the macro.
If the attributes of the final objects are not the same as the default attrib-
utes when the macro is defined, they will be saved with the macro and
applied to those objects which are created when the macro is used.

5.14 NUMBER 5.14

A number which is displayed on the drawing area is a real number,

and can be given an associated unit. Numbers are displayed as dynam-
ic elements within text messages. (See section [5.17] “Text”.) When a
number is created, Cabri Geometry creates a text message whose sole
content is the number. The text message can be edited subsequently.

The [text and symbols]Numerical Edit tool enables the user to enter
the number directly onto the drawing area. The number can then be
edited and animated. The up and down arrows immediately to the
right of the number, and also animation, can be used to modify its
value, increasing or decreasing it. The step size for the change is
dependent upon the position of the cursor within the number. For
example, if the number is 30.29 and the cursor is between the 2 and
the 9, animation or the use of the arrows will change the value of the
number by steps of ±0.1.
The [measurement]Distance or length tool creates a number represent-
ing the distance between: two points, a point and a line, a point and
a circle; the length of a segment, a vector, an arc of a circle; the
perimeter of a polygon; or the circumference of a circle or ellipse.
The resulting value is given in cm as the default unit of measurement.
The [measurement]Area tool creates a number to represent the area of
a polygon, circle or ellipse. The text message includes a unit of area,
the default unit being cm 2.
The [measurement]Slope tool measures the gradient of a line, ray, line
segment or vector relative to the “screen horizontal”. The value is
dimensionless.
The [measurement]Angle tool measures the size of an angle. The
arguments required are three points: A, O and B in that order, where
the sides containing the angle are OA and OB, or a single argument, 1
Henri Poincaré,
being the already existing mark of an angle. 1854-1912

59
Reference Section
The [measurement]Calculate tool is used to perform calculations
on numbers displayed in the drawing area, the constants pi and
infinity, or directly entered real values. The usual operators can
be used: x + y, x - y, x * y, x / y, - x, x y, and brackets. The cal-
culator also recognizes the following standard functions: abs(x),
sqrt(x), sin(x), cos(x), tan(x), arcsin(x), arccos(x), arctan(x),
sinh(x), cosh(x), tanh(x), arcsinh(x), arccosh(x), arctanh(x),
ln(x), log(x), exp(x), min(x,y), max(x,y), ceil(x), floor(x),
round(x), sign(x), random(x,y). Some variants of these spellings
are recognized: an initial capital letter, asin, sh, ash, argsh...
The inverses of functions can be used by combining the inv button
with the function button. For example, to use the arcsin function, click
on the buttons inv then sin. This extends to inv-sqrt which gives
sqr, inv-ln which gives exp (e x), and inv-log which gives 10 x.

Apart from the standard operators, for which the syntax is well-
known, floor(x) returns the largest integer less than or equal to x,
ceil(x) returns the smallest integer greater than or equal to x,
round(x) returns the integer nearest to x whose modulus is also
nearest to that of x, sign(x) returns - 1, 0 or + 1, depending on
whether x is negative, zero or positive, and finally, random (x,y)
returns a randomly-generated real number belonging to the uni-
form distribution over [x,y].
To ensure that random (x,y) is updated as the diagram is modified, it
is sufficient to introduce a parameter from the diagram into one of its
arguments, even if this parameter has no effect on the resulting value,
for example random (0,1 + 0 * a), where a is a number, dependent on
some independent element of the diagram. The = button calculates
the result. It can then be placed anywhere on the drawing area, using
drag-and-drop directly on the answer or by double-clicking on = and
dragging the result to the desired position. It can be taken as read that
this result will be updated as the diagram changes.

Different units can be used, for instance 1 inch + 1cm is evaluat-

ed as 3. 54 cm.

The [measurement]Evaluate an Expression tool calculates the

value of an expression which is displayed in the drawing area.
The user must first select the expression, and then a number in
the drawing area for each variable of the expression. Suppose,
for example, that the expression is 3 * x + 2 * y -1: Cabri
Geometry requires a number for x and another for y, when it
produces a new number which is the value of the expression,

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and this can then be placed anywhere in the drawing area. The
number can now be selected for use in new calculations.
As has been said above, a number is only displayed on the screen
as part of a text message. A number inherits the graphical attributes
of the text of which it is part. (See text attributes in the [5.17] “Text”
section). In addition to these attributes, there is one attribute specific
to a number: the number of figures to be displayed.
For each letter a, b, c…or x, y… Cabri Geometry asks for a value
when the expression is of the form f(x), then clicking on the axis
plots the graph of y = f(x) automatically.

5.15 PROPERTY 5.15

A property is displayed as a text message on the diagram. It is gener-

ated in a similar fashion to a number, and is updated as the diagram
changes. The text message corresponding to a property can be edited.

The tool [properties]Collinear? checks the alignment of three

points. The corresponding text message is either The points
are collinear, or The points are not collinear.

The tool [properties]Parallel? checks whether two directions are

parallel. Each direction is defined by a line, ray, segment, vector,
side of a polygon, or axis. The text message displayed is either The
objects are parallel or The objects are not parallel.

The tool [properties]Perpendicular? checks whether two directions

are perpendicular. Its use is identical to that of [properties]Parallel?

The tool [properties]Equidistant? requires the selection of three

points: O, then A and B, and checks whether the distances OA
and OB are equal. The text message is These points are
equidistant or These points are not equidistant.

The tool [properties]Member? requires the selection of a point

and another object other than a point, and checks whether the
point lies on the object. The text message displayed is either
This point lies on the object or This point does
not lie on the object.

The text relating to a property inherits the attributes of the text message
of which it is part. (See text attributes in the [5.17] “Text” section.)

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5.16 5.16 EXPRESSION

An expression is a text message displaying a syntactically correct

calculator expression – a function of one or more variables. The
names that are allowed for the variables are: a,b...z (lower case).
The [text and symbols]Expression tool enters a new expression.
Expressions are edited as text. The syntax is only checked at the
moment the expression is evaluated. (See the previous section on
numbers).
Operators cannot be omitted (“3 * x” is recognized but “3x” is not).
The expression can be evaluated for different values of its vari-
ables, using the [measurement]Evaluate an Expression tool. This
tool requires the selection of an expression, then a number to
correspond to each variable. If f(x) is a function of one variable,
this tool also enables the user to select the expression, and then
an axis, when the graph of y = f(x) will be drawn.
The attributes of an expression are: its character font, alignment
and the colours of the: background, border and characters.

5.17 5.17 TEXT

A text message is a rectangular box in which “static” characters

are entered, as well as “dynamic” elements. Dynamic elements
are updated with the diagram; these are the numbers and proper-
ties displayed on the working area.
All the text messages on the drawing area can be changed at will.
The tools which create numbers and properties construct implicitly
a text message which contains the number or the property. If the
distance between two points, A and B, is measured, then AB =
can be inserted directly in front of the value of the measurement
produced.

The [text and symbols]Text tool can be used to create a text

message. Once created, dynamic elements such as numbers and
properties can be added to it.
If a label in the diagram has been inserted in a text message, it
will be updated automatically if the label is modified.

The [measurement]Equation or Coordinates tool produces a text

message which represents the coordinates (of points) or the

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equation (of other objects) according to the object selected. The
object can be a point, a line, a circle, a conic, or a locus. In the
case of points, a text message of the type (3.14, 2.07) is dis-
played. For other objects, an algebraic equation is displayed,
according to which of the various preferences has been selected:
ax + by + c = 0 or y = ax + b for a line and
ax2 + bxy + cy2 + dx + ey + f = 0 or (x - x0)2 / a2 ± (y - y0)2 / b2 = ±1
for conics.

For a locus, the algorithm produces its algebraic equation provid-

ed its degree is no greater than 6. For loci whose points are of
very different magnitudes, numerical errors appear very rapidly
as the degree increases.

When several sets of axes are in existence, [measurement]

Equation or Coordinates requires the relevant set to be selected.

The attributes of a text message are: character font, size and

style, its alignment, and the three colours of the background, the
border and the text. Equations, have as additional attributes:
equation type and the associated coordinate system.

5.18 MARK ANGLE 5.18

The mark of an angle is created with [text and symbols]Mark

angle. It requires the selection of three points, A, O and B, in that
order and marks the angle between the arms OA and OB, whose
vertex is at O. If the angle is a right angle, the shape produced is
automatically changed to the standard form.

The [manipulation]Pointer tool is used to change the size of a

mark, also to change from marking the convex angle to the con-
cave one (the other side of a convex angle). For the latter proce-
dure, it is sufficient merely to drag the angle mark “through” the
vertex of the angle and drop it on the other side.

The attributes of an angle mark are: its colour, thickness, line

style, mark type, and label.

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5.19 5.19 AXES

A set of axes consists of a point – the origin – and two lines

which pass through this point, each of them marked one unit
away from the origin. The axes are not necessarily perpendicular,
but they must not coincide if they are to define a system of axes.

Every diagram has a default origin and set of axes. The origin is
initially at the centre of the drawing sheet and the axes are per-
pendicular with the unit distance being 1cm.

The [attributes]Show axes and [attributes]Hide axes tools will

show or hide the default axes.

The [attributes]New Axes tool creates a new set of axes accord-

ing to 2 possible procedures:
• one point + two directions procedure: with three clicks, you
successively select the origin, the direction of the first axis, and
the direction of the second axis. Scale is automatically indicated
with one unit = 1cm for both axes.
• one point + one direction and scale procedure: create one
point before activating [attributes]New Axes tool. Activate it and
with three clicks, you successively select the origin (anywhere),
fix simultaneously the direction of the first axis and its scale by
clicking on the existing point (user can also create the point “on
the fly” by using the Alt key), then fix the direction and scale of
the second axis by clicking.

The attributes of a system of axes are: its colour, thickness and line style.

5.20 5.20 GRID

The definition of a grid is based on the current system of axes.

It represents an infinite set of points spread regularly according to
the current reference system on the working area (either cartesian
coordinates or polar coordinates).

A grid is created with the [attributes]Define Grid tool which

requires selection of the relevant set of axes.
The attributes of a grid are: the colour of its points, and the type
of coordinate system chosen (cartesian or polar).

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5.21 TABULATE 5.21

A table is initially blank, and is used to store and display num-

bers extracted from the working area.
A diagram can only contain one table.

A table is created with [measurement]Tabulate. A first click

creates a blank table at the cursor position; then, clicking on
existing numbers, they are placed in the first row of cells.
This table can be subsequently selected and resized by dragging
on the bottom righthand corner. If text has been added in front
of the number, this text will be used as the column heading.

If the diagram is now changed, the Tab key can be used to create
a new line containing the current values of the numbers chosen
in the previous line. If the table is selected before starting an ani-
mation, the table will be filled automatically by the animation up
to a maximum of 1000 lines. If the table is selected before using
the command [Edit]Copy, the numerical contents of the table are
copied to the clipboard in text format and can be pasted into any
spreadsheet such as Microsoft® Excel, so that the data produced
can be analysed.

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CHAPTER 6

INVESTIGATIVE TOOLS

6.1 TRACE 6.1

The [text and symbols]Trace On/Off tool enables the user to

select the set of objects which will leave a trace of their move-
ments as the diagram is manipulated. When the tool is active,
those objects which will leave a trace are displayed with march-
ing ants outlines. Objects can be added to or removed from this
set by selecting them, in the same way as described for other
tools of this type (initial objects, final objects, hidden objects).
As the different parts of the diagram are moved around, the
selected set of objects leaves behind a trace of their position,
which enables the user to study the way that they change.

6.2 FIX/FREE 6.2

The [text and symbols]Fix/Free tool is used to fix the position of

points which are free to be moved around the working area, or
free to move on an object. When this tool is activated, such
points are indicated by a small thumbtack.
Fixing a point means that not only is this point immovable, but it
cannot be deleted.

6.3 REDEFINITION 6.3

Redefinition is a powerful function which enables the user to rede-

fine elements whose construction is already complete.
For example, the user could replace one construction method by
another, or change the number of degrees of freedom of an object.
To redefine an object, the [constructions]Redefine Object tool is acti-
vated, and the object selected. An object dependent menu appears,
with the redefinition options listed. Depending on the option chosen,
one or more objects will have to be selected, or just possibly none.

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6.4 6.4 ANIMATION

The [text and symbols]Animation tool and the [text and sym-
bols]Multiple Animation tool are used to animate one or more
elements of a diagram. Animation consists of “launching” one or
more objects along a trajectory defined by the user.

To start a simple animation, activate [text and symbols]Animation,

then click on the object to be animated, but hold down the
mouse button while moving the cursor slowly away from the
object. A small “spring” appears, which is stretched by the user
to fix the direction and speed of the animation. Overall speed of
the animation is initially set by the size of the spring. Later press-
ing “+” or “-” increases or decreases animation speed.
The animation is launched when the mouse button is released,
and continues while the tool is active. The animation is also
stopped when the mouse is clicked in a free part of the diagram.
Points on object are animated continuously alongside their sup-
port. For instance, points on a line segment are animated back
and forth. In addition, a number (free or in text) can be animated
up and down.

To define and start a multiple animation, activate the [text and

symbols]Multiple Animation tool. A control window appears, in
which one can define or remove springs (top row of buttons),
start or stop the animation (bottom left button), and restore the
diagram to its initial state (bottom right button).
When using Multiple Animation, click once on each object to be
animated. This will create a spring with one side attached to the
object to be moved. Use the mouse to move the other end of the
spring, to set the direction and speed of the object during animation.
The animation parameters for a multiple animation are kept
when the tool is no longer active, and when the figure is saved.
An option during the save process allows for the animation to
start automatically when the diagram is loaded in future.

6.5 6.5 RECORDING THE SESSION

The [Session] menu enables the user to record a session, for example
to analyse the strategies used by a student in solving a problem, and
then to print it out stage by stage (several stages per page).
This recording can also be used as an “infinite” undo feature.

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6.6 HISTORY WINDOW 6.6

The F10 key displays or hides a window which contains a textu-

al description of the diagram. In this window, the full set of steps
used in the construction can be seen, in the order used.

This window can be used to help with the design and naming of
objects. A single click on an object highlights in bold the objects
that were used to create it. This window can also be used to help
with the design of objects and to name those not previously
named.

The contents of the window can be copied and pasted into other
applications, as a textual description of the diagram. To create
this copy, use the shortcut menu, which appears following a right
click in the history window. This shortcut menu can also be used
to display hidden objects and intermediate objects in macros
(possibly after entering a password, if this was a requirement in
the macro’s creation or when the diagram was saved).

A click on an object in the figure highlights the corresponding

line in the history window. Conversely, a click on a line in the
history window selects the corresponding object in the figure.

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CHAPTER 7

ATTRIBUTES

The attributes of an object can generally be accessed in several ways:

• using a tool from the [attributes] toolbox to change one spe-

cific attribute,

• using the [attributes]Appearance tool,

• by means of the shortcut menu for the object, which is

opened by right-clicking on the object,

• with the assistance of the attributes toolbar, which is dis-

played by selecting the menu item [Options]Show attributes or
pressing F9 key,

• opening the “Preferences” dialog box to change the default

attributes of new objects, or those of selected objects. (See the
chapter [8] “PREFERENCES AND CUSTOMISATION”.)

The default attributes for new objects, which are assigned to

them at the time they are created, are defined in the
“Preferences” dialog box. (See the chapter [8] “PREFERENCES AND
CUSTOMISATION”)

7.1 COLOUR 7.1

For points, this is the colour of the point; for curves it is the
colour of the curve; for text messages it is the colour of the
characters.

The colour is changed with the [attributes]Colour tool, by select-

ing a colour from the palette displayed, then clicking on those
objects which are to take on that colour.

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The colour of one or more objects can also be changed by using
the tool from the attributes bar. The object(s) are selected,
then the colour.
Finally, the colour of an object can be calculated. This can only
be done via the shortcut menu for the object, by clicking on the
right mouse button and selecting Variable Colour and then
Select Red/Green/Blue Parameter. Cabri Geometry then
requires a number to be selected from the working area.
The correspondence between the intensity i of a colour compo-
nent (in the interval [0,1]) and the number x selected from the
working area is determined by a “sawtooth” function of period 2.
The function is defined by the identity (i = x) between 0 and 1
and a linearly decreasing function (i = 2 - x) to return its value to
0 over the interval [1,2].
For example, the number 7.36 corresponds to the same intensity
as the numbers 5.36, or 3.36, or 1.36, or - 0.64... because the
function has periodicity 2.
7.36 1.36(modulo 2), but 1.36 is in the interval [1,2] and so the
intensity is 2 - 1.36 = 0.64.
Undefined colour components are assigned the current values.
Using coordinates (R,G,B): (0,0,0) corresponds to black, (1,1,1) is
white, (1,0,0) is red, (0,1,0) is green, (0,0,1) is blue, (1,1,0) is yellow,
(1,0,1) is magenta, and (0,1,1) is cyan.

7.2 7.2 FILL COLOUR

This colour applies to circles, arcs, polygons, and text messages.
For text it is the background colour of the rectangular box
enclosing the text.
The fill colour is changed with [attributes]Fill, by selecting the
new colour from the palette, then the objects to be coloured. To
revert to the original colour, it is just reselected in the same way.
The fill colour can also be changed with the tool from the
attributes bar, by selecting the object(s) to be coloured, then the
colour. The shortcut menu can be used (as in the preceding sec-
tion) to assign an object’s colour numerically.
The default setting is for overlapping objects to mix their colours.
An object can be made opaque or transparent, using its shortcut
menu. Colours are mixed by using a logical and.
For example, a mixture of yellow with cyan gives green
( (1,1,0) and (0,1,1) = (0,1,0) ).
Opaque objects are displayed “in front” of transparent objects, in
the order in which they were created.

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7.3 TEXT COLOUR 7.3

This is the colour of the characters in a text message.

The [attributes]Text colour tool is used to modify the colour of
the individual characters. The colour is selected first, then the
objects to be coloured.
The tool from the attributes bar can also be used to colour
text. The objects are selected first, then the colour in the palette.

7.4 POINT STYLE AND SIZE 7.4

The size of points is changed with the [attributes]Thickness tool.

The corresponding tool is also accessible from the attribute bar.
The point style is accessed via [attributes]Appearance, and also
from the attributes bar.

7.5 LINE STYLE AND THICKNESS, SMART LINES 7.5

The line style (plain, dashed, dotted) and the thickness (standard,
thick, very thick) is accessed via [attributes]Dotted and
[attributes]Thickness, and also via the corresponding tools on the
attributes bar. The display of lines and rays can be limited to the
visible window (default setting), or to the region used on the lines
and rays (smart lines). In this case, Cabri Geometry decides where
to cut off the line according to the position of points marked on it.
There are two possible styles for these “smart” lines: with or with-
out an arrow – accessible from the attributes bar.
How much of a “smart” line is displayed can be changed at will.
If two non-parallel smart lines do not currently extend to their point of
intersection, but the [point]Intersection points tool is used with them, the
lines will be extended automatically beyond the point of intersection.

7.6 CHARACTERS AND ALIGNMENT 7.6

The shortcut menu of a text box is used to change the alignment (left,
right, centred) of sections of text within it. This menu is also used to
change the font, size and style of selected characters in a text box.
Each character can have different attributes. The [Options]Character...
menu can also be used to change the attributes of characters.

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7.7 7.7 EQUATIONS AND FIGURES

The precision displayed for a number is defined as a default

setting in the preferences.
The number of figures displayed can be changed by selecting the
number and using the + or - keys.
The type and format of an equation can be changed via the
shortcut menu, and also in the preferences dialog box.

7.8 7.8 PICTURE/TEXTURES ATTACHED TO OBJECTS

Cabri Geometry™ II Plus allows bitmap images (in GIF, JPG or

BMP formats) to be linked to points, line segments, triangles,
quadrilaterals, and to the background of the window.This possi-
bility allows the user to change the default appearance of these
objects to an image of their choice. In the case of a triangle, the
picture is sized to fit a parallelogram derived from the triangle.

In all cases, this function is accessed via the shortcut menu for
the appropriate object (right-click on the object while the [manip-
ulation]Pointer tool is active). For the background of a window,
right-click in an empty part of it.

The menu then enables the user to choose from a default list of
images: the screens of the TI-83, TI-89 or TI-92; or by reading a
GIF, JPG or BMP file from any directory.

Once the image has been attached to an object, it can be

removed using the shortcut menu.

7.9 7.9 “ON THE FLY” USE OF THE ATTRIBUTE BAR

Once a user has already started a construction, for instance when

having already clicked on a first point to draw a line, it is possi-
ble to click in one of the Attribute boxes from the Attribute bar
to change “on the fly” the corresponding attribute (colour, thick-
ness, smartness for lines) of the coming line.

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 Reference Section

CHAPTER 8

PREFERENCES AND CUSTOMISATION

8.1 DIALOG BOX FOR PREFERENCES 8.1

The dialog box for preferences details the options available for
the attributes of new and existing objects, and the settings for the
software parameters. It is accessed through the
[Options]Preferences menu. This dialog box shows a number of
themed tabs which will be described in detail in the following
paragraphs.

On all the tab sheets, clicking on the button labelled “Factory set-
tings” will restore the “factory settings”: these are the settings in
effect as the software is installed.

On the tab sheets which deal with the attributes of objects, there
are two tick boxes next to the “Apply” button, offering the choice
of applying the new set of attributes to the current “Selection”, or
to “New Objects”.

A button labelled “Save to file” can be seen in the lower section

of the dialog box which is common to all the tab sheets. Clicking
on this saves a new version of a file with the .ini extension,
containing all the current preferences. These preferences will be
applied when this file is opened with [File]Open.

Clicking on the “Close” button closes the dialog box without

making any of the changes selected, and without changing the
default settings file. Clicking on “OK” closes the dialog box after
all the changes specified in each tab sheet have been made and,
if the “Keep as defaults” tick box has been ticked, the default set-
tings file is updated.

The following paragraphs detail one by one the various tab

sheets in the preferences dialog box.

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Reference Section

8.1.1 8.1.1 Loci Options

This tab is for the attributes which are specific to loci. The “Number
of objects in a locus” is the number of positions of the variable
object which will be used to draw the locus as a discrete set.
In the case of point loci, they can be connected to create a
curve, or left as a set of unconnected dots.
For the locus of lines, segments, vectors and circles, Cabri
Geometry can calculate the envelope of these objects, that is to
say the curve which is tangent to all of the objects in the locus,
or simply draw the set of objects, depending on whether or not
the “Envelope” box is ticked.

8.1.2 8.1.2 Default Styles

This tab deals with those attributes which are common to text
and to graphical objects. For each type of text, a font can be
chosen, together with a style, size and colour. Choices can be
made for each type of graphical object: colour, line style, line
thickness, point style, point size, extremity style, angle mark
style. Depending on the type of object, some of the attributes are
not relevant, and so are not displayed.

8.1.3 8.1.3 Geometry System

The options under this tab control the manner in which the geo-
metrical constructions evolve.
By default, Cabri Geometry creates points implicitly during a con-
struction: when a point is selected which has not yet been
defined on a curve or at an intersection. Often this will increase
considerably the ease of use and the speed of construction of
diagrams. However, this behaviour can be turned off.
The way that Cabri Geometry manages infinity is to draw exten-
sions to the Euclidean plane which serves as the geometric
model for the software. If this option is active, the model is
extended by a line “to infinity”: two parallel lines will have a
point of intersection, a circle can have its centre at infinity, etc.
Certain constructions which are specifically not projective, cannot

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 Reference Section
be extended. For example, a segment cannot have one of its
extremities at infinity, and would not be defined in this case,
whatever option has been chosen.

8.1.4 System Options 8.1.4

On this tab sheet, the behaviour of the system and the user inter-
face are managed.

If the option “Bitmap Copy” is activated, the command [Edit]Copy

causes a bitmap image of the selection rectangle to be held in the
clipboard. If this option has not been activated, the selected
objects will be held in the clipboard in vectorial format (Windows
Enhanced Metafile). For more information on this option, see the
chapter [10] “EXPORTING AND PRINTING”.
The “Tolerance” is the distance within which the software search-
es for elements under the cursor. A larger tolerance facilitates the
selection of isolated objects, but is a hindrance in the case of
close or overlying objects.

The “Cursor Font” is the character font used to display dynamic

text messages which appear alongside the cursor as it is moved,
for example Symmetric to this point...
The “Menu Font” is used when the various toolboxes are
opened, to display the names of the tools.

8.1.5 Display Precision and Units 8.1.5

This tab sheet manages the attributes of numbers, obtained when

measurements are made on the diagram. For the various types of
number (“Length”, “Angle”, “Other”), the number of digits to be
displayed after the decimal point is chosen, and the units (for
length and angle).

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8.1.6 8.1.6 Coordinate System and Equations

This tab controls the display style and the system of coordinates
to be used for the equations of lines, circles, and conics.
In all these cases, Cabri Geometry attempts to obtain integer or
rational coefficients in the equations.

For lines, the user chooses between equations of the type

y=ax+b (which possibly becomes x = constant) and ax + by + c = 0.
For circles, the choice has to be made between the general equa-
tion, x 2 + y 2 + ax + by + c = 0, and the equation which shows
clearly the coordinates of the centre and the length of the radius,
(x - x0) 2 + (y - y0) 2 = R 2.
In this case, if the centre of the circle is at infinity, and if infinity
management has been activated, Cabri Geometry displays an
equation of the type y = ax + b and line at infinity, and the
circle is represented by a line.
If the line itself is at infinity, it shows double line at infinity.
(Centre point at infinity and a different radius point at infinity).

For conics, the choice must be made between the general equa-
tion ax 2 + bxy + cy 2 + dx + ey + f = 0, and the equation which
shows the centre of the conic (x - x0) 2 / a 2 ± (y - y0) 2 / b 2 = ±1.
In this case, the conic must be one which has a centre (ellipse,
hyperbola), and its axes must be parallel to the coordinate axes.
If this is not the case, the general form is used.

For loci, only the Cartesian system of coordinates is used. If one

of the coordinates x or y can be isolated from the equation
obtained, the display is given in the form x = f (y) or y = f (x);
otherwise the display is in a general form with the sum of the
terms ai j x iy j equal to 0.

8.2 8.2 CUSTOMISED TOOLBARS

The user can add their own tools (constructed with macros) to
the toolbar, and also move these tools to other toolboxes. It is
also possible to remove tools from toolbars.
This customisation is useful for extending the features available
in Cabri Geometry, and also in class for working on exercises

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 Reference Section
with a restricted number of tools (for example without perpend-
iculars or parallels). For work in class, the customised toolbar can
be protected with a password, preventing students from modify-
ing it.
When macros are created, the corresponding tools are added to
the [macros] toolbox.

The toolbar is changed by selecting [Options]Tool

Configuration...; the customisation dialog box then appears.
Whilst this dialog box is displayed, the tools can be moved from
one toolbox to another: one click to select the tool, another to
put it in position. To remove the tool, it is moved to the “Recycle
Bin” whose icon appears to the right of the toolbar.

Changes to the toolbar are not saved with the diagrams.

The toolbar must therefore be saved separately to reuse it in
another session.
If a password is entered when the toolbar is modified, it will be
requested before the toolbar can be changed again.

8.3 LANGUAGE 8.3

The menu item [Options]Language displays a dialog box which

opens a file. This dialog box enables a Cabri Geometry language
file to be selected, extension .cgl, containing the full set of text
messages displayed by the software for a given language. The
new language is installed immediately without having to restart
the software. After installing the new language, Cabri Geometry
asks if this language file is to be used routinely when the soft-
ware is loaded.
To drag and drop a software language file (xxx.cgl) is also possible.

The set of language files distributed with the software varies

between distributors. Cabri Geometry has been translated into
most of the languages by mathematics teachers, practising in the
countries concerned. You can contact us at support@cabri.com
with any questions you may have on the languages available.

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 Reference Section

CHAPTER 9

INTERFACE

9.1 MENU BAR 9.1

1. File
PC MENU ACTION

Ctrl+N New Open a new drawing sheet, which becomes the

active document.

Ctrl+O Open a Cabri Geometry II or Cabri Geometry™

Open... II plus diagram.

Ctrl+W Close Close the active drawing sheet.

Ctrl+S Save Save the active document.

Save the current drawing under a name to be

Save As... specified.

Save the diagram in a format which can be read

Export figure
by the versions of Cabri which are installed in
to calcs… the Texas Instruments calculators.

Revert to the previously saved version of the

Revert diagram, but losing all the changes made since
the last Save.

Show the full drawing page (1mx1m).

Show Page… This enables the current window to be
repositioned within the page.

Page Setup… Definition of parameters for printing.

Print the current drawing sheet or a selected

Ctrl+P Print... portion.

Alt+F4 Exit Quit Cabri Geometry II Plus.

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2. Edit
PC MENU ACTION
Ctrl+Z Undo Cancel the most recent operation.

Ctrl+X Cut Remove the current selection to the clipboard.

Ctrl+C Copy Copy the current selection to the clipboard.

Ctrl+V Paste Paste clipboard contents to current drawing.

Del Clear Delete all selected elements.

Ctrl+A Select All Select all the objects in the drawing.

Replay Enable the construction to be replayed.

Construction… There are several possible options.

Ctrl+F Refresh Drawing Redraw the entire contents of the window.

3. Options

F9 Show Attributes Display or hide the attribute bar which controls

the appearance of objects.

F10 Show History Show or hide the History window.

Window

Choose the settings for locus, axes, units,

Preferences… precision, equations.

Tool Selection and arrangement of tools.

Configuration…

Language… Language selection.

Font… Selection of font characteristics.

4. Window
Cascade
Tile Horizontal. Standard Windows menu for managing open
Tile Vertical. files and the display of the open windows.

Close All

Figure 1... The list of open diagrams is shown in this menu.

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 Reference Section

5. Session
PC MENU ACTION

F2 Start Start or stop recording the session.

Recording…

Selects a file. Reviews the stages of a

F4 Playback construction.

F5 Prints a session using the selected print

Print a Session settings.

F6 Previous Shows the previous step of the construction.

F7 Next Shows the next step of the construction.

6. Help

Displays a help message for the current tool, at

F1 Help the bottom of the screen.

About
Cabri Geometry II Displays the software version number as well as
the type of registered licence.
Plus

7. Others

Toggles the display between Bold and Normal to improve legibility

Ctrl+D for the visually impaired or for presentations.

Ctrl++ Global enlargement (Zoom in effect)

Ctrl+- Global reduction (Zoom out effect)

Displays the menu which enables the selected units of measurement

Ctrl+U to be changed.

Ctrl+Tab Brings a previously opened diagram to the front of the window.

A sustained click in a blank portion of the drawing sheet makes all

movable points pulsate.

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Reference Section

9.2 9.2 TOOLBAR

The default toolbar is the one shown below.

It can be completely redefined by the user. (See the Chapter

[8] “PREFERENCES AND CUSTOMISATION”).

Each icon corresponds to a word (or phrase) which describes the

appropriate object. This is fundamental for teaching geometry to
children who manipulate objects and learn the terminology at the
same time, thus enabling them to talk about the geometry they
are doing.

Selection of the Line tool in the

Lines toolbox

Click and Hold (hold down the lefthand mouse button for a
while until you move the pointer down) when pointing at an
icon to open a toolbox: a list of tools appears from which the
new tool can be selected. The icon of the chosen tool then
replaces the original one on the toolbar.
A quick single click on an icon selects the tool displayed on the
toolbar. All the icons available from the toolbox are shown in the
following lists.

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 Reference Section

1. Manipulation

Pointer Select and move objects (translation).

Rotate an object about its centroid or a selected

Rotate point.

Enlarge or shrink an object about its centroid or

Enlarge a selected point.

Rotate and Simultaneously rotate and enlarge an object

about its centroid or a selected point.
Enlarge (A combination of enlargement and rotation.)

2. Points

Mark a point : a separate point, or a point on an

Point object or at the intersection of two objects
(depending on the position of the cursor).

Mark a point on an object. (Create a point on an

Point on Object existing object.)

Construct the intersection of two objects.

Clicking successively on two objects constructs
Intersection all their intersection points. Note that clicking
Points close to one of their graphical intersections will
construct only that intersection point.

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3. Lines
Construct the straight line defined by a point
and either a direction (selected by a second
Line click) or a second point. If the ALT key is held
down as the direction is selected, a second point
is created.

Construct the line segment defined by two

Segment points.

Construct the ray (half-line) defined by a point

Ray and a direction or a second point.

Construct the vector defined by two points.

Vector The first is the starting point of the vector.

Construct the triangle defined by three selected

Triangle points.

Construct the polygon defined by n points

(3 ≤ n ≤ 128). To complete the construction,
Polygon either double-click on the last point, or re-click
on the first point.

Construct a regular polygon by selecting a point

at its centre, a second point to define the "long
radius" and the number of vertices. The number
of sides or branches of a star is selected by
moving the cursor around the central point : in
Regular Polygon the semi-circle to the right of the centre for a
polygon, and in the semi-circle to the left of the
centre for a star. A message {n/p } is displayed
for a star of n points, taking a point every p
points around the vertices of a regular n -sided
polygon. [A pentagram is a {5/2} star polygon.]

4. Curves

Construct a circle. First select an existing point

or create a new one which becomes the centre
Circle of the circle, then select the size of the radius
by clicking at the desired distance.

Construct an arc of a circle defined by three

Arc points: first an end-point then an intermediate
point and finally the other end-point.

Conic Construct the conic defined by 5 points.

(No more than 3 of them can be collinear).

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 Reference Section

5. Constructions

Perpendicular Construct the line passing through a point,

perpendicular to a given direction : line, ray,
Line segment, axis…

Construct the line passing through a point,

Parallel Line parallel to a given direction.

Construct the midpoint between two points or of

Midpoint a segment (defined by two points), a vector, or
the side of a polygon.

Construct the perpendicular bisector of two

Perpendicular selected points or of a selected segment, side
Bisector or vector.
Construct the bisector of an angle defined by
Angle Bisector three points, ABC , where B is its vertex.
Construct the resultant of two vectors. First
Vector Sum select the two vectors, then the starting point
for the resultant.

Construct the circle defined by a point and a

radius. Choose first the radius length, by
Compass selecting a segment (or two points or a number)
then select the centre.

Transfer a measurement defined by a number,

Measurement to a vector, an axis or a circle (in the anti-
Transfer clockwise direction from a selected point).

Construct a locus. Select an object A and a point

Locus M , constrained to move on another object. It
constructs the locus of A as M moves.

Redefine the geometrical characteristics of an

Redefine Object object (a point, line, circle, conic, etc) without
having to delete or redo the construction.

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Reference Section

6. Transformations

Reflection Construct the mirror image of an object. Select

first the object then the axis of symmetry.

Transform an object by point symmetry.

Point Symmetry Select the object to be transformed and a point.

Construct the image of an object under a

Translation translation. Select the object and the
translation vector.

Construct the image of an object under a

rotation. Select the object, and the centre and
Rotation an angle defined by a number or by 3 additional
points (second point as vertex).

Construct the image of an object under an

enlargement. Through Numerical Edit tool,
enter anywhere on the drawing sheet the scale
Enlargement factor number. Select the object, the centre of
enlargement and the previously entered scale
factor number.

Construct the image of a point under inversion

Inverse
in a circle. Select the point and the circle.

7. Macros
Select the set of initial objects to be used in the
Initial objects construction macro.

Select the final objects of the construction

Final objects macro.

Having defined the initial and final objects, this

Define Macro… validates the macro.

8. Properties
Display a message to confirm or contradict the
Collinear? collinearity of three points.

Display a message to confirm or contradict the

Parallel? parallel direction of two lines, segments, sides
of polygons…
Display a message as to whether two selected
Perpendicular? directions are perpendicular.

Display a message as to whether a point is

equidistant from two other points.
Equidistant? The first point selected is the one to be tested
relative to two other points.

Display a message to confirm or contradict

Member? whether a point belongs to an object.

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9. Measurements

Measure the length of a segment, the magnitude

of a vector, the distance from a point to a line or
Distance or a circle, or the distance between two points.
Length Measure also the perimeter of a polygon, of a
circle or an ellipse. The number displayed in the
working area is given a unit (cm by default).

Measure the area of a circular disc, an ellipse or

Area a polygon. The units of area are displayed.

Display the gradient of a line, ray, segment or

Slope vector. A dimensionless number is displayed,
which is infinity if the direction is vertical.

Display the size of an angle defined by three

Angle points (the second of which must be the vertex).

Give the equation of: a line, a circle, a conic or a

Equation or locus. Type of equation displayed depends on
Coordinates the choices made in [Options] Preferences
menu.

Display a calculator upon which scientific

calculations can be carried out using numbers
Calculate… from the keyboard or values taken from the
diagram (see details §12 p.93).

Calculate the value of an expression displayed

in the working area. Select the expression, and
Evaluate an then a number in the drawing area for each
Expression variable of the expression. The calculated value
of the expression can be used for new
calculations.

Display a table into which successive numerical

values taken from the diagram can be placed.
Tabulate The Tab key enables the line of current values
in the table to be selected.

10. Text and

symbols
Name points, lines, circles, rays, triangles,
Label polygons, loci… by means of a label, which can
be text.

To enter text anywhere on the drawing sheet.

Text Dynamic elements from the diagram such as
numbers, names can be included by selecting
them.

Numerical Edit Enable a number to be entered.

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Reference Section

Enter a new expression anywhere on the

drawing sheet. Expressions are edited as text.
Expression The syntax is checked only at the moment the
expression is evaluated i.e. when values are
entered for variables.

Mark an angle with an arc. The second point of

Mark Angle the three which define the angle must be the
vertex.

Fix/Free Fix (and unfix) the position of an object.

Produce (or suppress) the outline of an object

Trace On/Off during its displacement.

Animation Move objects automatically.

Multiple Move several objects automatically.

Animation…

11. Attributes

The [attributes]Hide/Show tool is used to select

that set of objects in the diagram which are to
Hide/Show be hidden. These objects are neither seen on the
screen nor printed. This enables the work on
complex diagrams to be simplified.

This tool is used to control the display of one or

a set of objects.
In order to associate one or a set of objects to
the hide/show function, you first drag and drop
sizing the button, second you click on one or a
Hide/Show set of objects (Shift key + objects).
Button In case of modification of an existing button,
select the button through [attribute]Hide Show
Button and then associate the objects as above.
Once created or modified, the button is
activated with pointer tool. It can be moved on
the drawing sheet by drag and drop.

Enable the colour of an object to be chosen.

Colour… Acolor is selected from the palette, then the
ojects whose color is to be changed.

Fill polygons, circles and text in the colour

Fill… chosen from a palette.

Text Colour… Change the colour of text. Select a colour from

the palette and then the text.

Thickness… Change the thickness of lines and points

Line Style… Change the line style – dotted, etc.

Change the appearance of certain objects:

Appearance… points, angle arc, line marks, type of axis, text.

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 Reference Section
Hide/Show Hide or show the default system of axes.
Axes
Enable a new system of axes to be defined, by
New Axes selecting the origin, a point on the x-axis and a
point on the y-axis.

Define Grid Display a grid for a reference system.

12. Calculator

The toolbar showing the calculator button selected.

The calculator enables calculations to be carried out on values

coming from the diagram (measurements, displayed numbers,
calculation results) or entered from the keyboard.

The results are displayed temporarily at the right of the calculator

window. In order to save the answer it must be copied to the
drawing. (In the calculator window, click and drag the answer to
the point in the drawing where it is to go).
When the diagram is altered the measurements and the associat-
ed calculations are instantaneously updated. The change in a cal-
culation is immediately updated in the diagram.

There are other functions available on the calculator than those

which are listed on the screen. The list of functions and their
alternative forms is given below.

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Reference Section
Function Syntax
Arc Cosine ARCCOS( x ), arccos, acos, ArcCos

Hyperbolic Arc Cosine ARGCH( x ), argch, ArgCh

Arc Sine ARCSIN( x ), arcsin, asin, ArcSin

Hyperbolic Arc Sine ARGSH( x ), argsh, ArgSh, arcsinh

Arc Tangent ARCTAN( x ), arctan, atan, ArcTan

Hyperbolic Arc Tangent ARGTH( x ), argth, ArgTh, arctanh

Round (to nearest integer) ROUND( x ), round, Round

Square SQR( x ), sqr, Sqr, Sq

Cosine COS( x ), cos, Cos

Hyperbolic Cosine COSH( x ), cosh, CosH, ch

Exponential ex EXP( x ), exp, Exp

Common Logarithm log10( x ), Log10, lg, log

Natural Logarithm L N ( x ), ln, Ln

Maximum of (a, b) MAX(a ,b ), max, Max

Minimum of (a, b) M I N ( a ,b ), min, Min

Random (a ,b ), random (a ,b ), Rand (a ,b ),

Random number between 0 et 1 rand (a ,b )

Pi (p) π, ∏, pi, Pi

Least integer ≥ x C E I L ( x ), ceil, Ceil

Greatest integer ≤ x FLOOR( x ), floor, Floor

Powers of 10 10^ x

Square Root SQRT( x ), sqrt, Sqrt, SqRt,

Sign (-1 if x < 0, +1 if x > 0, 0 if x = 0) Signe( x ), signe, sign

Sine S I N ( x ), sin, Sin

Hyperbolic Sine S I N H ( x ), sinh, SinH, sh

Tangent TAN( x ), tan, Tan

Hyperbolic Tangent TANH( x ), tanh, TanH, th

Absolute Value (Modulus) ABS( x ), abs, Abs

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9.3 ATTRIBUTES BAR 9.3

The attributes bar is displayed vertically to the left of the drawing

sheet, and is shown/hidden by [Options]Show Attributes F9.
The attributes bar behaves differently from the “Attributes” tool-
box. When a tool is selected to construct a particular type of
object (point, line...) the attributes bar is updated to show the
default attributes of this type of object. These can then be modi-
fied, and the changes will affect all new objects of this type.
For example, if [points]Point is activated, the attributes bar is
updated to show the default properties of points (colour, style,
size). If blue is then chosen as the drawing colour, all new points
created after this will be blue.
It is also possible to select objects in the Pointer mode, and then
choose a value for an attribute on the attributes bar. This value
will then be applied to the selected objects.

The first three buttons , , on the attributes bar

relate to drawing colours, fill colours and text colours.
The current colour appears on the icon (black here).

The buttons are used to increase and reduce the size of

characters.

The buttons are used to change the size of points

and the thickness of curves and lines.

The buttons are used to control the line style (plain,

dotted, dashed) of curves and lines.

The buttons control the form of points.

The and buttons control

the type of mark used to mark angles and line segments. These
marks show, for example, that angles are the same size, or that
segments are the same length.

The buttons determine the endpoint style of “smart lines”.

Finally, the buttons control the type of coordinate

system (linked to a grid) : Cartesian, or polar in degrees, radians,
or grades.

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 Reference Section

CHAPTER 10

EXPORTING AND PRINTING

There are several ways in which a diagram created in Cabri

Geometry™ can be used in other documents, or in published work.
To use all or part of a diagram in most other applications, or in
another Cabri Geometry™ document, it is sufficient to select the
objects required, possibly select all of them with Ctrl+A, and
follow this with [Edit]Copy, and then [Edit]Paste in the other
document.

To use the diagram in another application, it can be copied into

the clipboard in two formats: bitmap or vector. The choice
between the two is made in the “Preferences” dialog box, under
the “System Options” tab. In both cases, a selection rectangle
must be defined using click-and-drag in Pointer mode.
The contents of the rectangle will be copied to the clipboard.

The bitmap format is more suitable for the publication of static

diagrams (non-manipulable) on the Internet, and will have a
“pixelated” appearance when printed. The vector format is the
enhanced Windows Metafile type, and can be copied in vector
form into most software. The appearance when printed will be
excellent, since it uses the same resolution as the printer.

To obtain high resolution bitmaps, or PostScript files, the

[File]Print command is used. The page is printed using a
PostScript printer driver (for example the Adobe® PostScript
generic printer driver) by selecting “Print to file” and, for exam-
ple, the “Encapsulated PostScript” (EPS) option in the driver. In
this way one obtains a vector format which is portable (to other
operating systems, which is not possible with Windows
Metafiles). An Encapsulated PostScript version can be converted
later into other formats using suitable utilities; Ghostscript (free-
ware) for example, using whatever resolution one wishes.
The textual description of the diagram can also be copied from
the History window using the shortcut menu (right click).

97
 III

PART THREE
Moving on - Advanced Tutorial

CHAPTER 11

PEDAL TRIANGLES

CHAPTER 12

FUNCTIONS

CHAPTER 13

TESSELLATIONS I

CHAPTER 14

TESSELLATIONS II
Moving on - Advanced Tutorial

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 Moving On

CHAPTER 11

PEDAL TRIANGLES

Use the [points]Point tool to start with three points, A, B, C, any-

where on the drawing area. First construct the straight lines AB, BC
and CA, using the [lines]Line tool. Create a fourth point M, anywhere
on the plane, and the orthogonal projections of M : C', A' and B',
respectively, on these lines. These points are constructed by first cre-
ating the perpendiculars through M to each of the lines in turn, using
the [constructions]Perpendicular line tool. Use the [points]Point tool
to pick up the point of intersection of each perpendicular with its
corresponding line. The [points]Point tool constructs implicitly the
points of intersection of two objects. It merely requires the cursor to
be placed close to an intersection, when Cabri Geometry displays the
message Point at this intersection or, in an ambiguous case
Intersection of... followed by a menu list.

The three points A', B' and C' define a triangle which can be drawn
using the [lines]Triangle tool. It is called the pedal triangle of ABC.
The interior of the triangle can be coloured, using the [attributes]Fill
tool. The point of interest here is the area of the triangle with regard
to the position of M. The area of the triangle is measured, using the
[measurements]Area tool. The resulting value is a “geometrical” area,
taking no account of the orientation of the triangle. The measure-
ment is given in cm2 and can be placed anywhere on the drawing
area. By clicking on the number with the right mouse button, a
shortcut menu appears, with the option to change to the “algebraic”
area, the sign of which depends on the orientation of the triangle.

Figure 11.1 - The pedal

triangle for M, and its
area.

101
Moving On
We shall consider how the area of A'B'C' varies, depending on
the position of M. There are several possible strategies for this.
For example, activate the [text and symbols]Trace On/Off tool
(which requires selection of the object to be traced, M here – so
click on it). Now move M while attempting to keep the area of
A'B'C' constant. Successive positions of M are displayed on the
screen, giving the general appearance of a contour line for equal
values of the area of A’B’C’. Another strategy could be to use the
locus of points on a grid to draw a visual representation of the
area of A'B'C' for a large number of positions of M.

Here, we shall use this latter strategy, and draw the circle, centre
M, which has an area proportional to that of A'B'C' for a large
number of positions of M. To do this, it is necessary first to cal-
culate the radius of the circle, proportional to the square root of
the area of the triangle. Activate the [measurements]Calculate
tool, and enter the expression sqrt( then select the number dis-
playing the area of the triangle) to insert that into the expression,
which becomes sqrt(a. Now close the bracket). Divide by 10
to avoid having a circle which is too large.
The expression in the calculator is now sqrt(a)/10. Evaluate this
by clicking on the = button, then drag the answer to an appropriate
position on the sheet.
To draw a circle, centre M, using the radius we have just calculat-
ed, activate the tool [constructions]Compass. Select the number,
just moved onto the sheet, then the point M. The circle, centre
M, with the required radius appears. We can now see the changes
in the area of the circle surrounding M, as the point is moved.

Figure 11.2 -A circle is

drawn, centre M, with
area proportional to that
of A'B'C'.

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 Moving On
We shall now define a grid, and redefine M in terms of the grid,
then draw the circles representing the area of the pedal triangle
at each point of the grid. To define the grid, a system of axes is
required. We shall take the default axes which are available for
any diagram. To display them choose [attributes]Show axes.
Next, activate the [attributes]Define Grid tool, and select the
axes. A grid of points appears.

Figure 11.3 - A grid is con-

structed, using the default
axes for the diagram. M is
then redefined as any point
on the grid.

M is still an independent, movable point in the plane; we shall

redefine it so that it is limited to the grid points. Activate the
[constructions]Redefine object tool, then select M. Choose the
option Point on an object from the menu list that appears,
and then select any point on the grid. M is now constrained to
the points of the grid.

The [constructions]Locus tool can now be used to construct the

set of circles which are obtained by moving M around the grid.
Select the circle then the point M to obtain the locus of circles as
M moves over the grid.

It can be shown (see for example Geometry Revisited by H.M.S.

Coxeter and S.L. Greitzer, Mathematical Association of America,
section 1.9) that the contour lines of equal areas of the pedal tri-
angles are circles with the same centre as that of the circumcircle
of ABC. In particular, triangle A'B'C' has zero area if M is on the
circumcircle of ABC, or equivalently, points A', B' and C' are
collinear if and only if M lies on the circumcircle of ABC.

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Moving On

Figure 11.4 - The distribution

of the area of the pedal trian-
gle as a function of the posi-
tion of M.

Exercise 8 - With M on the circumcircle of ABC, the three points

A', B' and C' are collinear and A'B'C' is called the Simson 1 line
for M (or Wallace 2 line – this line was incorrectly attributed to
Simson for many years, as it was in fact published in 1799 by
Wallace). Construct the envelope of Simson lines.
(Use the [constructions]Locus tool). This curve, which is invari-
ant under a rotation through 120°, is called a deltoid (or tricus-
poid or Steiner’s 3 hypocycloid), since its shape is rather like that
of the Greek letter ∆.
It is tangential to the three lines AB, BC and CA. It is an algebraic
curve of degree 4. You can check this in asking for its equation
through the [measurement]Equation or Coordinates tool.

Exercise 9* - For the deltoid of the previous exercise, construct

the centre, the three points where the curve touches the three
straight lines, and the largest circle which can be inscribed in the
curve.

Figure 11.5 - The envelope

of the Simson lines of trian-
gle ABC is called a deltoid.
It has the same symmetries
as an equilateral triangle.
1
Robert Simson,
1687-1768

2
William Wallace,
1768-1843

3
Jakob Steiner,
1796-1863

104
 Moving On

CHAPTER 12

FUNCTIONS

Graphs of functions are easy to construct in Cabri Geometry™ ,

thanks to its system of axes and the expressions tool. The graph
can then be used to study the properties of the function. In this
chapter, we shall study the polynomial function of degree 3,

First, display the coordinate axes, using [attributes]Show axes.

Next, we need to create the corresponding expression on the
drawing area. Once an expression has been placed on the draw-
ing area, its value can be calculated for different values of its
variables. For this function, activate [text and symbols]Expression,
and type in x^3 - 2*x + 1/2. The permitted names for variables
are the letters: a,b,c...z.
Mark a point P, somewhere on the x-axis (using the [points]Point
tool. Display its coordinates by activating [measurement]Equation
or Coordinates, then selecting P. The text displaying the coordi-
nates is initially attached to P, and moves with the point. Using
the [manipulation]Pointer tool, the coordinates can be detached
from P, and placed anywhere on the diagram. To return them to
the point, click-and-drag close to P.

Figure 12.1 - [Left]. The expression corresponding to the function is entered

on the diagram. [Right]. Point P is marked on the x-axis, and its coordi-
nates displayed using [measurement]Equation or Coordinates.

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Moving On
Next, we need the value of f(x) when x is the x-coordinate of P.
Activate the [measurement]Evaluate an expression tool, and click
on the expression, then the x-coordinate of P in the brackets.
Here, the order is important.

Figure 12.2 - The [measurement]Evaluate

an expression tool is used to calculate the
value of f(x) at the x-coordinate of P.

This value is now transferred to the y-axis, using the [construc-

tions]Measurement transfer tool, and then selecting the value fol-
lowed by the y-axis. After this one merely has to construct the
lines parallel to each of the axes, through each of the marked
points, using the [lines]Parallel line tool. Their point of intersec-
tion can be labelled M, and has coordinates (x,f(x)). In the fol-
lowing diagram we have moved P to a point closer to the origin,
(1.89,0) so that M is visible on the sheet. P can be moved during
the construction of the lines.

Figure 12.3 - Construction of

the point M(x,f(x)) using meas-
urement transfer.

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 Moving On
The graph of the function is obtained as the locus of M as P
moves along the x-axis. It is constructed using the [construc-
tions]Locus tool by selecting M then P. In order to see the inter-
esting part of the graph of the function, the origin can be moved
(using drag-and-drop), and the scale changed (by dragging-and-
dropping any of the scale marks on the axis).

Figure 12.4 - The graph of the function is finally created using the tool
[construction]Locus. The origin can be moved and resized so that the
interesting part can be seen.

We shall now construct an approximation to the tangent to this

curve at a given point. For small values of h, it is known that

From the geometrical point of view, this approximation takes the

gradient of the tangent to be the same as the gradient of the
chord linking the points on the curve whose x-coordinates are
x - h and x + h. Using [text and symbols]Numerical Edit, a value
for h is defined, 0.3 here for example for ease of construction.
The value of h can then be changed to a smaller one, giving a
better approximation to the tangent. Next, construct a point A on
the x-axis, and the circle centre A, radius h.
The circle is obtained by activating the [constructions]Compass
tool then selecting the segment of length h followed by A. The
two points of intersection of this circle with the x-axis have x-coor-
dinates x - h and x + h, if x is the x-coordinate of A. Draw the
three lines parallel to the y-axis ([constructions]Parallel line) which
pass through the two points of intersection, and the point A.

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Moving On
The points of intersection of these three lines with the curve pro-
vide the points B -, B, B + which are points on the curve with x-
coordinates x - h, x, and x + h, respectively.

As the diagram is becoming rather cluttered, hide those elements

which are no longer being used. Activate the [attributes]Hide/show
tool, and select the elements to be hidden. Here, we should hide P,
M, the two construction lines for M, the coordinates of P, and the
value of the function at P. The hidden objects can only be seen as
marquees (“marching ants” outlines), and are only visible when the
[attributes]Hide/show tool is active. In order to make a hidden
object visible once more; just reselect it when this tool is active.

Figure 12.5 - [Left].The three points on the curve B -, B, B + with

x- coordinates x - h, x, and x + h are constructed.
[Right]. The approximation to the tangent at B, once the construc-
tion elements have been hidden.

The approximation to the tangent is now the line parallel to B -B +

which passes through B.
Construct the latter line using the [lines]Line tool, then the line
parallel to it using [constructions]Parallel line. Now hide the line
through B -B + and the other construction elements until only h,
A, B, and the “tangent” at B are visible. It can be seen that the
value h = 0.3 already gives a very good approximation to the tan-
gent. Nevertheless, this can be improved by decreasing the size of
h, for example by taking 0.0001.

110
 Moving On
By moving the point A along the x-axis, it is possible to see the
position of the three roots of the equation f(x) = 0, the stationary
points of f, and the point of inflexion of the curve.

For information, the three solutions of f(x) = 0 are approximately

r1 = - 1.52568, r2 = 0.25865, and r3 = 1.26703. The x-coordinates of
the stationary points are , and
. The point of inflexion is at (0,1/2).

Exercise 10 - Using the gradient of the tangent, draw the graph

which approximates to the curve of the gradient function.

Exercise 11* - The tangent cuts the x-axis at a point A' with x-
coordinate x', which is, in general, a better approximation to the
root, provided A is already in the neighbourhood of a root of
f(x) = 0. This statement is the basis of the iterative method known
as the Newton 1 - Raphson 2 method for finding the root of an
equation. Construct the point A', then its iterate A'' by the same
method, and compare the position of A'' to that of A. In particu-
lar, two positions can be found for A, other than the three roots,
for which A'' and A coincide.
For information, these are the two real roots of a polynomial of
degree 6, whose values are approximately - 0.56293 and 0.73727.
It can also be seen that a poor choice of A can cause the method
to diverge, by choosing A so that A' is one of the two points
where the derivative is zero.

Figure 12.6 - The first two iterations

of the Newton-Raphson method, start-
ing from point A. 1
Sir Isaac Newton,
1643-1727
Note : the same graph can be obtained straightforwardly through
the [measurement] Evaluate an Expression tool. 2
Joseph Raphson,
1648-1715

111
 Moving On

CHAPTER 13

TESSELLATIONS I

We shall construct several tessellations of the plane, using poly-

gons. Let us start with some simplified definitions, which are suf-
ficient for the following work. The reader who is interested can
refer to the reference work Tilings and Patterns by Branko
Grünbaum and G.C. Shepherd, Freeman 1987. A large number of
Internet sites also give information about tessellations and sym-
metry groups.

We say that a set of closed plane shapes is a tessellation of the

plane if their interior parts are non-overlapping, and the union of
all the enclosed parts covers the entire plane. These plane shapes
are called tiles of the tessellation. The intersection of two tiles
which is a segment of a line or a curve is called an edge, and the
intersection of two or more tiles at a single point is called a vertex.

For the tessellation P, we write S(P) for the set of isometries, f, of

the plane such that the image of every tile of P under f is a tile
of P. S(P) is a group, called the symmetry group of the tessella-
tion. There are several cases to be considered for such a group:

• S(P) contains no translations. S(P) is then isomorphic to a

cyclic group (possibly reduced to the identity element) generated
by rotation through 2π/n, or to a dihedral group, being the sym-
metry group of a regular polygon with n sides.

• S(P) contains translations which are all collinear. S(P) is then

isomorphic to one of the seven frieze groups.

• S(P) contains two vector translations which are non-collinear.

Then S(P) is isomorphic to one of the 17 wallpaper groups (or
plane crystallographic groups), and the tessellation is said to be
periodic.

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If all the tiles of the tessellation can be obtained as isometries of
a single tile, we say that the tessellation is monohedral.
In this part, we are only interested in the case of monohedral tes-
sellations by tiles which are polygons.
We shall first construct a monohedral tessellation of the plane by
a triangle.

Construct a general triangle ABC, using the [lines]Triangle tool,

then the midpoint, I, of one of its sides, BC for example, using
the [constructions]Midpoint tool. Let D be the image of A under
a half-turn about I (point symmetry), which is created using the
[transformations]Point Symmetry tool, selecting first the object to
be transformed: A, then the centre: I.

Figure 13.1 - The image of triangle ABC is created, under rotation

through 180°, about the midpoint of one of its sides (BC here). This
produces a parallelogram ABDC.

The quadrilateral ABDC is a parallelogram, and it can be used to

tessellate the plane. The two vectors and are created
next, using the [lines]Vector tool, then these are used to duplicate
the triangles ABC and BCD using the [transformations]Translation
tool.

Figure 13.2 - The [transfor-

mations]Translation tool is
used to create the images
of the two triangles under
translation by the vectors
and .

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 Moving On
The same approach can be used to tessellate the plane with any
quadrilateral, convex or otherwise but not crossing sides.
The image of the quadrilateral is created under rotation about the
midpoint of one of its sides. This produces a hexagon whose
sides are pairwise parallel, which is then used to tessellate the
plane by translations.

Figure 13.3 - The same type of

construction is used to tessel-
late the plane with any
quadrilateral, convex or con-
cave, provided it is not a
crossed quadrangle.

For other convex polygons, the situation is much more complex.

It can be shown that it is impossible to tessellate the plane with a
convex polygon with more than 6 sides. There are three types of
convex hexagon which will tessellate the plane, and at least 14
types of convex pentagon, each type being defined by a set of
constraints on the angles and the sides. At the present time, it is
still not known if the 14 known types constitute the complete
solution to the problem. The last of the 14 was discovered in
1985. As far as we know, the question of concave polygons has
not been resolved.

Exercise 12 - Construct a convex pentagon ABCDE, subject to

the following constraints: the angle at A is 60°, at C it is 120°,
AB = AE, CB = CD. These constraints do not define a unique pent-
agon, but a family of pentagons. For the construction there are at
least three independent points.

Figure 13.4 - Construction of a

pentagon under the con-
straints: Â = 60°, C = 120°,
AB = AE, and CB = BD. A, B,
and C are independent points
in the plane.

115
Moving On
Make successive rotations about A through an angle of 60° using
the [transformations]Rotation tool. This tool requires selection of:
the object to be transformed, an angle, and the centre of rotation,
to construct a “flower” with 6 pentagonal petals.
The angle required by the tool is a number on the drawing area,
which has previously been created using the [text and
symbols]Numerical Edit tool.

Figure 13.5 - The basic penta-

gon is duplicated by rotation
about centre A, through an
angle of 60°, to form a 6-
petalled flower.

These flowers can now be assembled, using translations, to tess-

ellate the plane. This tessellation is type 5 according to the classi-
fication given in Tilings and Patterns. It was first published by K.
Reinhardt in 1918.
This tessellation is not only monohedral, that is to say that all the
tiles are identical within an isometry, but it is also isohedral: all
pentagons are surrounded by the same pattern of pentagons in
the tessellation.

Figure 13.6 - The flowers are

assembled by translations to
cover the plane.

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 Moving On
Exercise 13* - Construct a pentagon ABCDE with constraints:
, , , ,
.

Figure 13.7 - A pentagon of type

10, according to the classification
in Tilings and Patterns. This penta-
gon is the basis for a monohedral
tessellation of the plane. Points A
and E are independent points of
the plane, and point I is free to
move on the arc of a circle.

The tessellation is constructed by first making three copies of the

tile, using successive rotations through 90° about E, to obtain a
truncated square. These squares are then assembled in strips
using translation in one direction. The strips of squares are then
separated by strips of pentagons, as shown below.

Figure 13.8 - A monohedral tessellation of the plane by convex

pentagons. This tessellation was created by Richard E. James III,
following the publication of an article by Martin Gardner in
Scientific American in 1975. The complete article can be found in
‘Time travel and other mathematical bewilderments’, Martin
Gardner, Freeman 1987.

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 Moving On

CHAPTER 14

TESSELLATIONS II

This chapter makes reference to the definitions given in the pre-

ceding chapter [13] “TESSELLATIONS I”.
There are sets of polygons which cannot be used to produce
periodic tessellations. The best known of these are the Penrose
tessellations, named after the mathematician Roger Penrose 1 who
discovered them in 1974. These tiles are called Kites and Darts.
A coloured motif is drawn on the tiles, and only those assemblies
that respect the correspondence of the colours are allowed. This
eliminates all the periodic tessellations. These two tiles are
quadrilaterals whose angle are multiples of , and whose
sides are of length 1 and ø (phi), where Ø the
golden ratio. The colour motif shown here was drawn by John
Conway 2, and gives astonishing curves that are invariant under
rotation through .

Figure 14.1 - A Dart tile (left)

and a Kite tile (right).

The Kite and Dart tiles have lengthy constructions, so we shall

create a construction macro which enables copies of these tiles
to be deposited liberally across the drawing sheet by means of a
single click.
A (construction) macro is created from a sub-section of a dia-
gram. Its definition is based on a set of initial objects, and a set
of final objects which are constructed uniquely from the initial
objects. Once the macro has been defined, it is available as a
new tool in the [macros] toolbox. To complete the construction, 1
Sir Roger Penrose,
the user has to select a set of objects, of the same type as the ini- 1931
tial objects, when the tool reproduces the construction stored in 2
John Horton Conway,
the macro, using these selected objects. 1937

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Moving On
When the macro is created, it is possible to name it, to design an
icon for it, and to save it in a separate file. To use a macro creat-
ed in one diagram in another, both diagrams are opened, and the
macro is available to both. The macro is saved in a diagram file if
it is either used or created in that diagram. It is possible to rede-
fine a macro, by defining a macro which has the same name, and
constructs objects of the same type. When the user attempts to
save the macro, Cabri Geometry asks whether it should replace
the previous macro, or supplement it. If the latter choice is made,
either of the macros can be used. For example, a macro can be
defined which starts either from two points or from a line seg-
ment.

We shall define a macro named Dart 1 L, which starts from two

points, A and B, and constructs a Dart tile on AB, to the right of it
when looking at B from A, with AB as a short side of the tile
(hence the 1 in the name) and an arc, one foot of which is further
from A than from B (hence the L for long). In similar fashion we
shall define the macros Dart 1 S (short) whose shape is the
same as that of Dart 1 L, but where the foot of the arc is nearer
to A than to B. Dart phi L, Dart phi S need to be constructed
in the same way, also the four corresponding macros for the Kite.

To define these macros, we must first construct the tiles, starting

from two points. So, let us take any two points, A and B, con-
structed with the [points]Point tool, which will be used to repre-
sent the side of length 1 in the tiles. Next, construct the straight
line AB, using [lines]Line, then the perpendicular to AB through
A, using [constructions]Perpendicular line, and the circle through
B, centre A using [curves]Circle and selecting first the centre A
then the point on the circumference B. Finally, construct the
point of intersection C of the perpendicular to AB and the circle.
Select the point of intersection which is “above” AB, using
[points]Point.

We must now divide the circle into 10 equal sectors. Construct the
point B' diametrically opposite to A, centre B, and A' diametrically
opposite to B, centre A. (Use the [transformations]Point Symmetry
tool; by first selecting the point to be transformed, then the centre
of symmetry.) If A is considered as the origin on line AB, then B
is at 1, B' at 2, and A' at -1. We also need A'', the midpoint of
AA', using [constructions]Midpoint. A'' is at -1/2 using the above
conventions. Now construct the circle, centre A'', which passes

120
 Moving On
through C. This circle cuts the line AB in two points: P to the left
of A, and Q to the right of A. P and Q are on AB at - Ø and Ø - 1
respectively. The perpendiculars to AB, through P and Q cut the
circle, centre A, radius AB' in four points: the vertices of a regular
pentagon, whose fifth vertex is at B'. Using symmetry, the ver-
tices of the decagon can be completed as shown below. From
this, the angle of and length Ø are con-
structed. These dimensions are intimately linked to the regular
pentagon.

Figure 14.2 - Division of the

circle into 10 equal sectors.

Draw the circle, centre A, through P. The radius of this circle is

then Ø. Now use [attributes]Hide/Show to hide all those ele-
ments of construction which do not appear in the diagram
below. The vertices of the regular decagon inscribed in the circle,
radius Ø, are labelled R,1,2,3,4,P,6,7,8,9.

121
Moving On

Figure 14.3 - The subdivision

into equal segments is trans-
ferred to the circle radius ø,
and the obsolete elements of
construction are hidden.

The construction can be continued by taking note of the follow-

ing diagram. The line segments linking P to points 2 and 8 are
constructed using [lines]Segment, then the two quadrilaterals are
drawn with [lines]Polygon. Next, the circles from which the arcs
are to be selected are drawn using [curves]Circle, and finally the
arcs are drawn using [curves]Arc. An arc of a circle is defined by
three points: one extremity, an intermediate point, and the sec-
ond extremity. The points used to define the arcs can now be
hidden so that they do not appear when the macro is used. The
appearance of the arcs and the quadrilaterals can be changed,
using [attributes]Thickness, and [attributes]Colour.

Figure 14.4 - Construction of

the two tiles with their
coloured arcs.

We can now create two of the macros. Activate the

[macros]Initial Objects tool, and select B then A. The order of
selection of objects of the same type is important; they must be
selected in the same order when the macro is used. Now activate
the [macros]Final Objects tool and select the Dart and its two
arcs. Finally the macro is finished by activating [macros]Define
Macro. Name it Dart 1 L. As part of the process of defining a

122
 Moving On
macro, an icon can be designed for the tool. It can also be
named, a few lines of text can be entered for the Help window,
a name can be given to the first object created, and the macro
can be protected with a password. (Passwords are useful in a
class situation for decoding “Black Box” tools.)
Once the macro has been defined, a new tool appears in the
[macros] toolbox. We shall test our new macro. Activate the new
[macros]Dart 1 L tool, and select two new points: U and V.
A new Dart, based on U and V, appears immediately.

Figure 14.5 - Application of

the macro Dart 1 L to the
two new points : U and V.

Using the earlier construction, we can define the macro Kite 1 L

similarly. Using these two macros, we can start to construct the
“Sun” tessellation, which has the same symmetry group as the
regular pentagon.

Figure 14.6 - The start of the

“Sun” tessellation, construct-
ed using our two macros.

Exercise 14 - Define the other six macros listed in the text

above and continue the “Sun” tessellation. Draw the “Star”
tessellation, whose centre is created from five Dart tiles pointing
towards the central vertex.

Exercise 15 - List the 7 possible configurations of the Penrose

tiles around a vertex.

123
INDEX

125
Index
A Axis, 64
example of use, 103
Affine transformation for measurement transfers, 50, 89
See Transformation. general information, 64
graphs of functions, 61, 62,
Alignment 107-109, 111
display attributes, 62-63, 73 of grids, 64
geometrical property, 61 perpendicular lines of, 51, 89
of transformations, 56
user interface, 92
Angle
within equations and coordi-
angle bisector tool, 51, 89
nates, 63, 80
angle measuring, 59, 91
angles for transformations, 56
display, precision and units 78-79
example of use, 43
geometrical examples, 115-116, B
119, 121
Mark angle tool 63, 92 Bitmap
import, 74
Altitude 30, 32 export, 79, 97
Animation, 68, 92
Animation tool, 68 Button (hide/show), 92
of number, 58
user interface, 92
within table, 65
C
Area, 59, 91, 101
geometrical examples, 102-104 Calculator, 60, 91, 93-94
polygons/ triangles with zero examples of use, 32, 102
area, 52-53 general, 62, 93-94
selected area, 17 user interface, 91
tool, 59, 91, 101
example of use, 101 Centre of mass, 42
measurement tool, 59
user interface, 91
Circle
Varignon’s theorem, 42-43
about infinite circle, 78, 80
visible area, 17
area, 59, 91
circumscribed, 32-33
Arc, 88 equation of, 62, 91
Arc tool, 54, 88 for measurement transfer, 50, 89
example of use, 122 general, 53, 78, 80
general, 54 locus of circle, 55, 103
user interface, 88 nine-point circle, 32-33
locus of, 55 of inversion, 56
trigonometric functions, 60, 94 tool, 53, 78, 80, 88
examples of use, 19-22, 32-
Attributes 33,102, 120
description, 71-73 general, 53, 78, 80
examples of use, 28-29, 31, user interface, 88
101, 103, 107, 110, 121 with compass, 89, 102, 109
of objects, 49-64 within distance or length, 59, 91
toolbar, 14-15, 17, 84

126
 Index
Collinear D
geometrical examples, 36-37,
53-54, 103-104, 113 Derivative, 111
property test tool, 61, 90
example of use, 30-31 Deltoid, 104
general, 61
user interface, 90
Dilation
See Enlargement.
Colour
change “on the fly”, 74
Distance
colour display function, 72
Distance and length tool, 59, 91
Colour tool, 29, 71, 92
examples of use, 31-32
example of use, 122
tolerance (system options), 79
fill tool, 72, 92
See also Length.
Text colour tool, 73, 92
of objects 50-55, 63-64, 78
Doted (line), 73, 92
Dynamic
Compass
dynamic construction, 37
examples of use, 102, 109
dynamic elements, 59, 62, 79
tool, 89

Conics, 54
equations of, 63, 80, 91
locus, 55
E
tool, 54
Ellipse
Convex area, 59, 80
angle, 63 construction tool, 54
geometrical examples, 115, 117 distance and length, 59, 80, 91
polygon, 53 equation, 80

Copy, 97 Enlarge
diagram bitmap, 79 user interface, 87
general, 97
history window, 69 Enlargement, 56, 90
shortcut key, 84 transformation tool, 56
table content, 65 user interface, 90

Coordinates, 62-63 Envelope

examples of use, 72, 107-111 example of use, 104
grid, 64 from loci, 55, 78
preferences, 80 preferences, 55
user interface, 91
tool, 62-63 Equation
examples of use, 104, 107-108
Cursor (different types of), 17 evaluation tool, 62-63, 80
preferences, 74, 84
Curve user interface, 91
inflexion, 111
learning curve, 4 Equidistant, 61, 90
tangent, 109 property test tool, 61
See also loci. user interface, 90

127
Index
Euler line, 27, 31
Euclidean
plane, 49, 50, 54, 78
transformations, 56
Excel, 65
Exporting/ File export
general, 97
interface, 89
preferences, 79
to Texas Instruments® calcula-
tors, 83
Expression, 62, 91
general, 91
tools, 60-61, 92
examples of use, 102, 107-
108, 111
general 60-61, 62, 91
user interface, 91
Evaluate expression, 60, 62, 91
examples of use, 108, 111
general, 60, 62
user interface, 91
F defining an help for macros, 123
Fermat, 38
File
bitmap importing 74
bitmap preferences, 79
export file, see Exporting.
file menu, 14, 83
language file, 81
macro file, 58, 120
preferences saving, 77
printing, 97
Windows™ Metafile, 97
Fix / Free, 67, 89
Font
of objects, 62-63, 73, 78
preferences and options, 79, 84
128
Function
calculator functions, 60, 93-94
colour display function, 72
example of use, 111
general, 107, 109-110
with expressions, 62
Free
See Fix.
G
Gradient, 109, 111,
See also Slope.
Graph
examples of plotting 109, 111
plot, 61, 62, 107
Grid
Grid tool, 64, 92
examples of use, 102-103, 109
H
Help
help window, 14-15, 123
shortcut keys for help, 51, 55
Hide / show, 58, 92, 110
attributes, 15
axes, 64
button (hide/show), 92
examples of use 110, 121
history, 16
shortcut key, 84
tool, 58, 92
Hexagon, 115
Hyberbola, 54, 80
Hyperbolic, 59, 94
 Index
I tolerance (system options), 79
See also Distance.
Inverse, 56, 90
calculate, 60 Line
transformation tool, 56-57 affine transformation of line, 51
user interface, 90 attributes, 51, 92
equation, 80, 91
Image Euler line, 27, 31
bitmap, 74, see also Bitmap. line of points at infinity, 50, 78, 80
geometrical example, 113-114 line in a table 65, 91
TI’s screen, 74 Line tool, 50, 88
transformation, 56, 90 examples of use, 28-29,
101, 110, 120
general, 50
Infinity
user interface, 88
coordinates and equations, 80
line toolbox, 86, 88
line of points at infinity, 50, 78, 80
locus of lines, 55, 78, 104
infinity management, 49, 59,
Parallel line tool, 50, 89
78-79
examples of use, 108-110
slope, 91
general, 50
with the calculator, 60
user interface, 89
Perpendicular bisector tool, 51, 89
Inflexion, 111 examples of use, 20, 36
general, 51
Intersection, 50, 87 user interface, 89
examples of use, 22, 29-30, 42, Perpendicular line tool, 50, 89
49, 101, 108-110 examples of use, 30-31, 101
geometrical examples, 42, 113, 120 general, 50
intersection point general, 17, user interface, 89
50, 78, 87 Simson line, 104
of smart lines, 73 slope, 59, 91
with a circle, 21
Locus / Loci, 55, 89, 78
Isohedral, 116 equations, 63, 80, 91
examples of use, 102-104, 109
general, 55, 89
label of, 91
L locus of circles, 102
locus of lines, 55, 78, 104
Label point on, 49
labeling “on the fly”, 27 preferences, 78, 84
Label tool, 49, 91
example of use, 28
general, 49
user interface, 91 M

Language, 81, 84 Macro, 57-59

Length
Compass tool, 89, 109
distance and length tool, 59, 91
example of use, 31-32
measurement transfer, 50
define macro, 57, 90
examples of use, 119-120, 122-123
final objects, 57, 90
initial objects, 57, 90
password, 58, 123
tool, 57-59

129
Index
Manipulation toolbox, 32, 87 N
examples of use, 20, 28, 36, 41, 107
general, 32 Numerical edit tool, 59, 91
of angle mark, 63 examples of use, 56, 109, 116
of number, 32 general, 59
of pictures and textures, 74 user interface, 91
of point, 49
user interface, 87

Marching ants O
movable objects, 28
for hide/show function, 110
Object
for macros 57,
Fix / free function, see Fix.
for trace on/off function, 67
Hide / show function, see Hide.
macro
Mark angle, 63, 92 final objects, 57, 90
initial objects, 57, 90
Measurements redefine object, see Redefine
angle, see Angle. object.
area, see Area.
distance & length, see Distance Origin of the axes
and Length. example of use, 108
Measurement transfer tool, 50, 89 general, 64, 92
example of use, 108 moving, 109
general, 50
user interface, 89
preferences 79, 85
slope, see Slope
toolbox, 91
P
with calculator, 93
Point symmetry
Median, 28-30, 37 See symmetry.

Member (property test tool), Palette of colour, 29, 71-73, 92

61, 90
general, 61 Parabola, 54
user interface, 90
Parallel
Menu bar, 14, 83
geometrical examples, 43
Midpoint Parallel line tool, 50, 89
examples of use, 19, 28, 41, 58, examples of use, 108-110
114, 120 general, 50
general, 49 user interface, 89
geometrical example, 42 property test tool, 61, 90
user interface, 89 example of use, 41
general, 61
Monohedral, 114, 116, 117 user interface, 90
intersection point of parallel
lines , 78

Parallelogram
bitmap, 74
geometrical object, 36, 41-43, 114
130
 Index
Paste, 84, 97 Point tool, 49, 87
general, 97 general, 49
history window, 69 examples of use, 29, 35,
shortcut key, 84 42, 101 120
table content, 65 user interface, 87
Point on object tool, 49, 87
Password, 58, 81, 123 general, 49
for customised toolbar, 81 user interface, 87
for macros, 123 point symmetry, see Symmetry.
redefining an object, see
Pedal triangles, 101-104 Redefine object.
second point “on the fly”, 50,
51, 88
Penrose, 119, 123
starting point, 88-89
Perpendicular
Pointer, see Cursor.
Perpendicular bisector tool,
51, 89
examples of use, 20, 36 Pointer tool
general, 51
user interface, 89 examples of use, 20, 28, 36, 41,
Perpendicular line tool, 50, 89 49, 107
examples of use, 30-31, 101 importing bitmap / set back-
general, 50 ground, 74
user interface, 89 modifying mark angle, 63
property test tool, 61, 90 modifying number, 32
general, 61 user interface, 87
user interface, 90
Polygon
Plane area of, 59, 91
euclidian plane, 49, 50, 54, 78 attributes, see Attributes.
Tessallation of the plane, 113-117 examples of use, 41, 113-115,
122
Point distance and length, 59, 91
attributes of, see Attributes. general, 52
at infinity regular polygon, 53, 88, 113
centre point, 80 user interface, 88
line of points at infinity, triangle, see Triangle.
50, 78, 80 with measurement transfer, 50
decimal point, 79
locus of, see Locus. Polynomial, 107, 111
grid, see Grid.
intersection point, 21-22, 29-30 PostScript, 97
Intersection point(s) tool, 49, 87
example of use, 18-19 Preferences, 71, 77, 84
general, 49
user interface, 87
Print, 97
midpoint, see Midpoint.
PostScript, 97
movable point, 17, 44, 49, 67,
session, 68, 85
85 see also Fix / Free.
shortcut key, 83
name of, see Label.
nine-point circle, 32-33
of inflexion, 111 Proprieties, 61, 90
collinear, see Collinear.
equidistant, see Equidistant

131
Index
member, see Member.
of a function, 107
parallel, see Parallel.
perpendicular, see
Perpendicular.
Q Save
Quadrilateral
examples, 36, 114-115, 122
filling picture, 53
Varignon, 41-43
R compass, see Compass.
Ray, 51, 88
attributes, see Attributes.
general, 51
locus of, 55
measurement transfer, 50
properties test, 61
slope of, 56, 91
transformations, 56
user interface, 88
Recording session, 68, 85
general, 68
shortcut key, 85
Rectangle
geometrical examples, 43-44
of selection, 79, 97
Redefine object
examples of use, 103
general, 67
user interface, 88
Reflection, 56, 90
general, 56
user interface, 90
Rotate
user interface, 87
Rotation, 56, 90
example of use, 116
geometrical examples, 104,
132
113-115, 117, 119
tool, 56
user interface, 90
S
general, 14
saving a customised toolbar, 81
saving animations parameters, 68
saving macro, 57-58, 120
saving preferences, 77
shortcut key, 83
Segment
length of, see Distance and
Length.
midpoint, see Midpoint.
Segment tool, 51, 88
examples of use, 18-19, 42, 122
general, 51
user interface, 88
Selection
ambiguities of a selection, 17, 29
copy/paste/cut, 84
rectangle, 79, 97
selection of tool, 18
selection order for macros, 58-
59, 122
Session
recording, 68
shortcut keys, 85
Settings
factory settings, 77
modifying settings, 84
print settings, 85
See also Preferences.
Show
See Hide.
Simson, 104
Slope, 59, 91
tool, 59
user interface, 91

Square
construction, 18-22
geometrical object, 44, 117
macro construction, 57
mathematical square function,
56, 94, 102
Status bar, 15
Index
default styles, 78
expression, see Expression.
historic of the construction, 69.
label, see Label.
language, 81
numerical edit, see Numerical edit.
Text tool, 62, 91
Text colour tool, 73, 92

Steiner, 104 Thumbtack, 67

Style Toolbar, 86-92

defaults styles, 78 attributes toolbar, 71
line style tool, 73, 92 customised toolbar, 80-81
See also attributes. full description, 86-92
within attributes bar, 15 user interface, 14-15

Symbols Trace On/Off, 67, 92, 102

See Expression. example of use, 102
See also Label. general, 67
See also Mark Angle. user interface , 92
See also Numerical edit.
See also Text. Transformation, 56, 90
examples of use, 114-115, 120
Symmetry, 56, 90 geometrical examples, 36, 114-
examples of use, 114, 120-121 115, 120
symmetry group of tessella- of objects, 51, 52 ,53 ,54 ,56
tions, 113,123 tools, 56
tools, 56 user interface, 90
user interface, 90
Translation, 56, 90
example of use, 114
geometrical examples, 113,
T 115-117
tool, 56
user interface, 90
Table, 65, 91

exporting content to
Microsoft® Excel, 65
tabulate tool, 65, 91
Tangent
envelope, 78
mathematical tangent function, 94
tangent construction, 109-111
Tessallation, 113-123
Texas Instrument®, 3, 83
Text
algebraic equation display, 63
Triangle
altitudes, 30, 32
bitmap hooking, 74
circumscribed circle, 32-33
Euler line, 27, 31
geometrical examples, 27, 30-
32, 36-38, 101-104
triangle tool, 52, 88
examples of use, 101, 113
general, 27, 52
user interface, 88
nine-point circle, 32-33
pedal triangles, 101-104
tessellations of, 113-114
Trigonometric functions, 60, 94

133
Index
U

Units, 79, 84
axes unit, 64
of area, 91
of the calculator, 60
preferences, 79, 84
shortcut key, 85

Varignon, 41-43

Vector, 52
geometrical examples, 36-37,
113-114
locus, 55, 78, 89
measurement transfer, 50, 89
transformations, 59, 90
Vector sum tool, 52, 89
general, 35, 52
user interface, 89
Vector tool, 52, 88
example of use, 113
general, 35, 52
user interface, 88
vectorial format, 79, 97

Vertex
for tiles of tessellations, 113, 123
of a triangle, 27
of angle, 43, 51, 63, 89-92
of polygon, 22, 53

Wallace, 104

134