Direct distance entry (horizontal segment exactly 3 inches): before typing the length value, what should the drafter do first to guarantee a perfectly horizontal line?

Introduction / Context:
Direct distance entry lets you point the cursor in a direction and type the exact length. To ensure true horizontals or verticals, CAD systems provide Ortho mode, which constrains movement to 0/90/180/270 degrees.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We want a line exactly horizontal and 3.00 units long.
• Direct distance entry is in use (move cursor, type value).
• Cursor angle must be locked to horizontal.

Concept / Approach:
Enabling Ortho guarantees straight horizontal/vertical directions regardless of small hand motions. Then, with the cursor pointing right or left, entering 3 sets the exact length without risk of angular error.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Use Angle or Properties to confirm the segment angle is 0 or 180 degrees and the length is 3.00 units.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Pull very carefully: Prone to human error; not precise.
• Entering 3 first: Without direction constraint you could draw 3 at a slight angle.
• Reading Dynamic Readout: Helpful, but Ortho ensures exact direction.

Common Pitfalls:
Leaving Ortho off leads to tiny angular deviations that accumulate across a drawing; always constrain direction for orthogonal geometry.

Final Answer:
insure that Ortho is on