Constructing a Rectangle with a Given Base

Construction Algorithm
1 Construct a line AB as a given base of the rectangle.
2 Construct a perpendicular line to AB through the point B.
3 Construct a point C on the perpendicular line.
4 The translation button is already generated in the construction area.
5 Select the line AB and the two points A and B as well then press the translation button [B to C] to construct the image of the line AB by the defined translation.
6 Join up the four points A, B, C and D to get the required rectangle.
7 Switch to drag mode. Pick a free element. Move it around to check your construction.

Construction Theorems

A rectangle is a parallelogram with a right angle.

If two sides of a quadrilateral are parallel and equal in length, then the quadrilateral is a parallelogram.

Translation preserves the distance between points.

Please enable Java for an interactive construction (with Cinderella).
Please enable Java for an interactive construction (with Cinderella).