section_path: Main concepts/Compass and straightedge constructions
section_name: Compass and straightedge constructions
paragraph_text: Compass and straightedge constructions
  
  Classical geometers paid special attention to constructing geometric objects that had been described in some other way. Classically, the only instruments used in most geometric constructions are the compass and straightedge. Also, every construction had to be complete in a finite number of steps. However, some problems turned out to be difficult or impossible to solve by these means alone, and ingenious constructions using neusis, parabolas and other curves, or mechanical devices, were found.