Perpendicular Bisector Construction

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Objective

I can construct a perpendicular bisector of a line segment using a compass and straightedge.

Part 1 of 3

Key concepts

3 concepts

  1. 1

    A perpendicular bisector is a line, ray, or segment that intersects another line segment at its midpoint, forming a precise 90-degree angle.

  2. 2

    The construction of a perpendicular bisector requires only a compass and a straightedge, and the compass radius must be set to greater than half the segment's length.

  3. 3

    After drawing arcs from both endpoints of the segment, you connect the two intersection points with a straightedge to create the perpendicular bisector.

Part 2 of 3

Practice

7 questions

1

What two essential geometric properties define a perpendicular bisector?

2

During the construction of a perpendicular bisector, why is it crucial to set the compass radius to a length greater than half of the given line segment?

Part 3 of 3

Exit ticket

Quick comprehension check

Describe the step-by-step process for constructing a perpendicular bisector of a given line segment using only a compass and a straightedge.

Sample answer included in the free materials

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Teacher guide, student handout, and slides — free, in Google Docs format

  • Teacher Guide

    Complete lesson plan with answer keys and alternate activities

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