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I'm not sure where to ask this question.

Suppose I have one or more rulers with which I can measure distances with up to 1 mm error. Is there a way I could make another tool of higher precision (e.g. 1/2 mm) using these tools.

Assume I have raw materials and I'm able to cut them precisely, along lines drawn with a pencil, according to the measurements made using the measurement tools above.

I think the answer is obviously no, but I wonder if I am missing something.

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    $\begingroup$ If you have a precise compass then you can measure a distance of $2^n k$ and halve it $n$ times using the standard compass and straight edge construction to get a measurement of $k$ with an error of $2^{-n}$ mm. $\endgroup$
    – Peter Taylor
    Commented Aug 16, 2022 at 11:34

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