Question

asher uses a compass and a straightedge to bisect $overline{xy}$. he starts by adjusting the compass width to be slightly longer than half the length of $overline{xy}$. then he puts the compass point at $x$ and draws an arc above and below $overline{xy}$. which step should asher use next to ensure that he bisects $overline{xy}$? use the straightedge to connect point $x$ and the arc above $overline{xy}$. using the same compass width, put the compass point at $y$ and draw an arc above and below $overline{xy}$. adjust the compass width to be slightly shorter than half the length of $overline{xy}$ and draw an arc intersecting $overline{xy}$. use the straightedge to connect the arc above and the arc below $overline{xy}$.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall bisecting - line - segment steps

To bisect a line - segment $\overline{XY}$, first, we set the compass width to be slightly longer than half the length of $\overline{XY}$. Then we put the compass point at $X$ and draw arcs above and below $\overline{XY}$. After that, without changing the compass width, we put the compass point at $Y$ and draw arcs above and below $\overline{XY}$. The next step is to use the straightedge to connect the intersection points of the arcs above and below $\overline{XY}$.

Step2: Analyze given steps

The first step Asher does is setting the compass width to be slightly longer than half the length of $\overline{XY}$ and drawing arcs from $X$. The next logical step is to put the compass point at $Y$ (using the same compass width) and draw arcs above and below $\overline{XY}$.

Answer:

Using the same compass width, put the compass point at $Y$ and draw an arc above and below $\overline{XY}$.