This document provides instructions for beginners on how to use the Geometer's Sketchpad software. It explains how to use the basic tools like selecting objects with the arrow tool, creating points with the point tool, and drawing circles and segments. It then demonstrates how to measure angles by selecting points, how to construct perpendicular lines by placing a point and clicking on a line segment, and how to add pages and graph functions on a coordinate plane. It also shows how to transform figures by selecting sides and translating or reflecting over a line or axis. Quick tips are provided for undoing mistakes, measuring slopes of lines, and changing measurement units and rounding precision.

1. Geometer’s Sketchpad
Helpful Hints for Beginners

2. Open a new file

3. To the left are the five basic tools.
It is important that you know
what tool you have selected while
using this software.

4. The arrow tool selects objects.
When selected it will allow you to
move something around the area.

5. The point tool creates points.

6. The circle tool draws circles.

7. The segment tool draws
segments. If you click and hold
the arrow in the bottom
corner, you can draw lines or
rays.

8. The text tool is used to label
points or type text on the file

9. This button allows you to add
tools or change tool options.

10. How to Measure Angles

11. Select the ray tool and construct
an angle. Remember, they must
share the endpoint.

12. You can label the angle ABC using the text
tool. Click on the points, double click to
change the letter.

13. Select the points in order either A, B, C or
C, B, A. Point B must be the second point
selected.

14. Select the measure tab.

15. Then angle

17. How to Construct
Perpendicular Lines

18. Start off with a segment or line.

19. Select the point tool and place a
point on the line or line segment.

20. With the arrow tool select the new
point and click somewhere on the
line.

21. Construct, then “Perpendicular Line”

22. We see perpendicular lines!

23. How to Add a Page

24. Select File, then Document Options.

28. You should see 2 tabs at the bottom
left side of your screen.

29. How to graph a
function on a
coordinate plane

32. Type in an equation that
you want to graph. (Use
the tabs on the right to do
specific types of
equations.)

34. How to Transform a Figure

35. Choose Graph, then
“define coordinate
system”. It might also be
Draw a simple shape. helpful if you also choose
“snap points” under the
Graph tab as well.

36. With the arrow too, select all sides of the figure.

37. Choose transform. You can
translate, rotate, dilate, or reflect
the figure. I will show how to
translate and reflect.

38. Make sure Rectangular is chosen.

39. Select the number of
centimeters you want to
translate the figure horizontally
and vertically.

41. To reflect, select the line or axis
to be reflected over.

42. Transform, then “Mark Mirror”

43. Select the sides of the shape.

44. Transform, then “Reflect”.

46. Quick Tips

47. Undo
Edit Undo
mistakes
Measure
Measure Slope
slope of a
line

48. Measure
Measure Slope
slope of a
line
Change
measuring
Edit Preferences
units, rounding
precision
Change
measuring
Edit Preferences
units, rounding
precision

49. +/-/x/÷
Measure Calculate
Operations with
measurements
Change
measuring
Edit Preferences
units, rounding
precision