Is there a substitute/replacement for a compass (mathematics)?

Sure. Instead of a compass, you can allow for origami-like folds. You can copy lengths, construct perpendicular bisectors, and bisect angles, just as you could with a compass. In fact, it is in some sense better, because you can also do something impossible with a ruler and compass: you can trisect an angle. read more

A Substitute For A Compass An easy way to make a pencil compass when one is not at hand, is to take a knife with two blades at one end, open one to the full extent and the other only halfway. Stick the point end of the fully open blade into the side of a lead pencil and use the half-open blade as the center leg of the compass. read more

“There’s clearly continuing demand for these placement tests.” The placement assessments have value when they are used with other measures, such as high school grades, said Scott-Clayton. But in practice, most colleges just use the tests. Some colleges may have to scramble to find a replacement for Compass. read more