Why can't I draw a 45degree line?

Hi guys, So I'm starting as an absolute beginner, have DraftSight 2018 free download. Am trying to draw two 45 degree lines of equal length from one starting point, basically like a kid would draw a house roof. My instructions say once you have Polar line showing 45 degrees type line distance and press Enter, eg. 3 Enter, every time I do this the line jumps to either vertical or horizontal. What am I doing wrong? Help!!!