Topic 1 Lesson 2
Basic Constructions
How to use a straightedge and compass used to make basic constructions?
EXAMPLE 1 Copy a Segment
How can you copy a segment using only a straightedge and compass?
A straightedge is a tool for drawing straight lines. A compass is a tool for drawing arcs and circles of
different sizes and can be used to copy lengths.
Step 1 To copy first use a straightedge to
draw line ℓ. Mark point M on line ℓ.
Step 2 Place the compass point at A,
and open the compass to length AB.
STUDY TIP
Remember, with constructions, only
use a ruler as a straightedge, not as a
measuring tool.
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Topic 1 Lesson 2
CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING
EXAMPLE 1 Copy a Segment
How can you copy a segment using only a straightedge and compass?
Step 3 Using the same setting, place the compass point at M, and draw an arc through line ℓ.
Mark point N at the intersection.
The constructed segment MN is a copy of A copy of a line segment is a type of construction. A
construction is a geometric figure made with only a straightedge and compass.
1. Construct a copy of
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Topic 1 Lesson 2
EXAMPLE 2 Copy an Angle
How can you construct a copy of ∠A?
Step 1 Mark a point X. Use a straightedge to draw a ray with endpoint X.
Step 2 Place the compass point at A. Draw an arc that intersects both rays of ∠A. Label the points
of intersection B and C.
Step 3 Without changing the setting, place the compass point at X and draw an arc
intersecting the ray. Mark the point Y at the intersection.
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Topic 1 Lesson 2
EXAMPLE 2 Copy an Angle
How can you construct a copy of ∠A?
Step 4 Place the compass point at C, and open the compass to the distance between
B and C.
Step 5 Without changing the setting, place the compass point at Y and draw an arc. Label the point
Z where the two arcs intersect. Use a straightedge to draw The angle, ∠YXZ, is a copy of
∠A.
Try It! Construct a copy of ∠B?
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Topic 1 Lesson 2
EXAMPLE 3 Construct a Perpendicular Line
A. How can you construct the perpendicular bisector of
A perpendicular bisector of a segment is a line, segment, or ray that is perpendicular to the segment
and divides the segment into two congruent segments.
You can use a straightedge and compass to construct the perpendicular bisector of a segment.
Step 1 With a setting greater than place the Step 3 Label the points of
compass point at A. Draw arcs intersection of the arcs E
above and below and F. Use a straightedge to
draw
The constructed line, is the
Step 2 With the same setting, place the compass perpendicular bisector of
point at B. Draw arcs above and below
REPRESENT AND CONNECT
Consider the tools you can use to verify that
a segment bisects another segment. What
tool can you use?
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Topic 1 Lesson 2
EXAMPLE 3 Construct a Perpendicular Line
B. How can you construct a perpendicular line from a point?
Use a straightedge and a compass to construct a line perpendicular to a given line from a point that is
not on the line.
Step 1 First, with Point A as the center, construct an arc that intersects the line at two points. Label the
points B and C.
Step 2 With the same setting, construct arcs from points B and C that intersect on the opposite side of
the line.
Step 3 Label the point of intersection D. Use a straightedge to draw
The constructed line, is perpendicular to
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EXAMPLE 3 Construct a Perpendicular Line
Try It!
3. a. How can you construct the perpendicular bisector of
b. How can you construct a line perpendicular to from M?
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Topic 1 Lesson 2
EXAMPLE 4 Construct an Angle Bisector
How can you construct the angle bisector of ∠A?
An angle bisector is a ray that divides an angle into two congruent angles. You can use a straightedge
and compass to construct an angle bisector.
Step 1 Place the compass point at A. Draw an arc Step 3 Label the point of intersection
intersecting both rays of ∠A. Label of the two arcs D. Use a
the points of intersection B and C. straightedge to draw
Step 2 Place the compass point at B. Draw an arc in The constructed ray, is the
the interior of ∠A. With the same setting, bisector of ∠A.
place the compass point at C and
draw an arc intersecting the arc drawn from B.
COMMON ERROR
Be sure to set the compass greater than
the distance from A to C.
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EXAMPLE 4 Construct an Angle Bisector
Try It!
4. How can you construct the angle bisector of ∠G?
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Topic 1 Lesson 2
CONCEPT SUMMARY
Constructions
WORDS A construction is a geometric figure that can be made using only a straightedge
and compass.
Straightedge Compass
• is used to draw segments, lines and • is used to draw circles and arcs.
rays. • is used to measure and copy length
DIAGRAM Construction of an Angle Bisector
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
Use a compass to make arcs. Use a straightedge to draw the
bisector.
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Topic 1 Lesson 2
Do You UNDERSTAND?
1. Vocabulary What is the difference between a line that is perpendicular to a segment
and the perpendicular bisector of a segment?
Construct a copy of each segment, and then construct its perpendicular bisector.
2.
Construct a copy of each angle, and then construct its bisector.
3.
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