Question

Explain how you would construct a perpendicular bisector of line segment WX using a compass and a straightedge.

Answer 1

Answer:

Steps to Construct a Perpendicular Bisector of line segment $\overline{WX}$ are as follows:

Step 1 : Draw the line segment $\overline{WX}$ of given

             length or any length.

Step 2 : With W as center, using compass, draw a circle ( or two

              arcs one above line and one below line ) . The radius of

              circle ( or arcs ) should be more than half the length of

              $\overline{WX}$.

Step 3 : With the same radius and with X as center, draw

             another circle (or arcs) using compass. Let it cut the

             previous circle (or arcs) at A and B.

Step 4 : Join $\overline{AB}$. It cuts $\overline{WX}$ at O.

Therefore, $\overline{AB}$ is perpendicular bisector of $\overline{WX}$