Question

you are constructing a copy of ( overline{ab} ). you choose a point, ( c ), as one of the endpoints for the new line segment. what is the next step in the construction?
a. keep the compass needle on ( a ), and stretch the compass width to ( b ).
b. keep the compass needle on ( b ), and stretch the compass width to ( c ).
c. mark a point on ( overline{ab} ), and stretch the compass width to ( c ) from the point.
d. mark a point external to ( overline{ab} ), and stretch the compass width to ( c ) from the point.
e. mark a point on ( overline{ab} ), and make two arcs on ( overline{ab} ) centered at the point.

Explanation:

When constructing a copy of a line segment \(\overline{AB}\) with a new endpoint \(C\), the first step after choosing \(C\) is to measure the length of \(\overline{AB}\) using a compass. This is done by placing the compass needle on \(A\) and stretching the compass width to \(B\). This sets the compass to the length of \(\overline{AB}\), which can then be transferred to create the copy starting at \(C\).

Answer:

A. Keep the compass needle on \(A\), and stretch the compass width to \(B\).