Question

question 3 of 5
select the correct answer from each drop - down menu.
what are the steps in constructing a perpendicular bisector to line segment ab using a compass and straightedge?
image of line segment ab with points a and b
begin by placing the compass on point a and stretching the width of the compass
drop - down menu 1
arc.
drop - down menu 2 line segment ab. place the compass on point b and
drop - down menu 3
straightedge to connect
drop - down menu 4 the line segment ab. this is the perpendicular bisector of line segment ab

Explanation:

Step1: Set Compass Width

Place the compass on point \( A \) and stretch the width to be more than half of \( AB \) (this ensures the arcs will intersect).

Step2: Draw Arc from \( A \)

With the compass width set, draw an arc above and below the line segment \( AB \).

Step3: Draw Arc from \( B \)

Keep the compass width the same, place the compass on point \( B \), and draw arcs above and below \( AB \) that intersect the arcs drawn from \( A \).

Step4: Connect Intersections

Use a straightedge to connect the two intersection points of the arcs. This line is the perpendicular bisector of \( AB \).

Answer:

The steps to construct the perpendicular bisector of \( AB \) are:

1. Place the compass on \( A \), set width \( > \frac{1}{2}AB \).
2. Draw arcs above and below \( AB \) from \( A \).
3. Draw arcs above and below \( AB \) from \( B \) (same width).
4. Connect the arc intersections with a straightedge (this is the bisector).