Construct A Perpendicular Line

In this lesson, we will show how to construct a perpendicular through a point on a given line and how to construct a perpendicular from a point to a given line

Construct A Perpendicular From A Point On The Line

Example :

Construct a line perpendicular to PQ through the point R on PQ.

Solution:

Step 1: Stretch your compasses a short length. It can be any length. Put the sharp end of the compasses on point R and mark two arcs S and T on the line PQ.

Step 2: Stretch the compasses a little more. Put the sharp end of the compasses on point S and make an arc with pencil end. Do the same on point T but make sure that the second arc intersects the first arc.

Step3: Draw a line from point R to the point where the arcs intersect. This line is perpendicular to PQ and passes through the point R.

The following video shows how to construct a perpendicular from a point on the line.

Construct A Perpendicular A Point Not On The Line

We will now construct a perpendicular from a point to a given line.

Example :

Construct a line perpendicular to the line AB and passing through the point P.

Solution:

Step 1: Put the sharp end of your compasses on point P, stretch the compasses and mark two arcs R and S on the line AB.

Step2: Without changing the width of the compasses, put the sharp end of the compasses at R and draw an arc on the other side of AB compared with P. Do the same at S and make sure that the second arc intersects the first arc.

Step 3 : Draw a line from P to the point of intersection. This line passes through point P and is perpendicular to AB.

Custom Search

© Copyright 2005, 2009 - onlinemathlearning.com
Embedded content, if any, are copyrights of their respective owners.