Step 1

Draw a line segment on your paper using a straightedge. Label the endpoints A and B.

Step 2

Place the compass point on A, then set the width of the compass so that the distance is slightly longer than half the length of AB. Then draw an arc that passes through ABand is above and below point A.

Step 3

Keep the compass setting and place the point of the compass at point B, then draw an arc that passes through ABand is above and below point B. The intersection of these arcs should construct two points. Label these points P and Q.

Step 4

Using a straightedge, draw a line segment through the points P and Q. PQshould be perpendicular to AB. Label the intersection of these line segmentsas M.

Step 5

Check your work by using a protractor to verify that mPMA=90and mQMB=90. Use a ruler to verify that AM=BM.

Step 6

Scan or take a photo of your final construction and save this file. You will upload this file in the next activity in this lesson.