Question

This figure represents a step in a compass-and-straightedge construction. Identify the construction.

an angle bisector


a perpendicular bisector


a congruent line segment


a congruent angle

Answer 1

a congruent line segment

Answer 2

A perpendicular bisector

Steps of construction :

1. Place the compass at one end of the given line segment.

2. Adjust the compass to more than half the length of the line segment.

3. Draw two arcs, one above the line segment and one below the line segment.

4. Now draw arcs from other end of line using the same technique and keeping the compass like the same as above step.

5. Draw a line joining both arcs (above and below the line) with a ruler.

These steps give a perpendicular line segment.

Hence it is a perpendicular bisector .