Question

the perpendicular bisector of a line segment does which of the following to the line segment? identifies a line segment parallel to the first line segment cuts the line segment into unequal segments changes the line segment to a line identifies the midpoint of the line segment

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: A perpendicular bisector is perpendicular to the line segment, not parallel. So this option is incorrect.
2. Analyze the second option: By definition, a perpendicular bisector of a line segment cuts the segment into two equal parts (bisects it) and is perpendicular to it. So it does not cut the segment into unequal segments, making this option wrong.
3. Analyze the third option: A perpendicular bisector is a line (or line segment) related to the original line segment, but it does not change the original line segment into a line. The original line segment is already a part of a line, and the perpendicular bisector is a separate line (or segment) with a specific relationship to it. So this option is incorrect.
4. Analyze the fourth option: The perpendicular bisector of a line segment intersects the segment at its midpoint (since it bisects the segment) and is perpendicular to the segment at that point. So it does identify the midpoint of the line segment, making this option correct.

Answer:

D. identifies the midpoint of the line segment (assuming the options are labeled A, B, C, D as per the order: first option A, second B, third C, fourth D)