Question

Joaquin is constructing the perpendicular bisector of ab. What should be his first step?

(100 points cuz why not)

Answer 1

D

Explanation:

Answer 2

D. Open the compass so that the distance from the two points of the compass is wider than half the length of
`\over{AB}`.

Explanation:

To construct a perpendicular for
`\over{AB}`, we must first take a compass & take the distance of its arms wider than half the length of
`\over{AB}`.

This is done in order to get two intersecting arcs in the top & bottom of
`\over{AB}` so that a perpendicular bisector can be drawn through it.

After two intersecting lines are drawn below & above
`\over{AB}`, draw a line joining these 2 points through their points of intersection. The point where it intersects
`\over{AB}` is the middle-most point of
`\over{AB}` & now a perpendicular bisector of
`\over{AB}` is constructed.

`\rule{150pt}{2pt}`