Question

what is the next step for the construction?
a. step 1: select a point on line l and label it point a. draw in pa.
b. step 2: put the point of the compass at a and make an arc. label the intersections b and c.
c. step 3: without changing the compass setting, put the compass at point p and make an identical arc. label the intersection d.
d. step 4: put the compass at point b and use it to measure the distance to c.

Explanation:

The diagram shows line \( l \) with point \( A \) and point \( P \) outside \( l \), connected by \( PA \). This is the starting setup for constructing a line through \( P \) parallel to \( l \). Step 1 (option a) is already completed (point \( A \) on \( l \), \( PA \) drawn). The next logical step is Step 2: place the compass at \( A \) to draw an arc intersecting \( PA \) and \( l \) (labeled \( B \) and \( C \)), which is option b.

Answer:

b. Step 2: Put the point of the compass at A and make an arc. Label the intersections B and C.