In order to reformulate them in algebraic terms using field extensions, one needs to match field operations with compass and straightedge constructions (see constructible number). In particular it is important to assure that for two given line segments, a new line segment can be constructed such that its length equals the product of lengths of the other two. Similarly one needs to be able to construct, for a line segment of length formula_11, a new line segment of length formula_12. The intercept theorem can be used to show that in both cases such a construction is possible.