What is a compass and straightedge construct?

Answer 1

A compass and straightedge construction is a method used in geometry to create figures using only a compass and a straightedge, without the use of measurement tools. The compass is used for drawing circles and arcs, while the straightedge is utilized for drawing straight lines. This technique is foundational in classical geometry, allowing for the construction of various geometric shapes and figures, such as triangles, squares, and angles, based solely on specific geometric principles. Notably, some classical problems, like squaring the circle or doubling the cube, have been proven impossible using only these tools.