Question

a(n) _______________ of a triangle is the line segment from a vertex to the opposite side and is perpendicular to that side. a altitude b angle bisector c perpendicular bisector

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option A: An altitude of a triangle is defined as a line segment from a vertex perpendicular to the opposite side (or its extension), which matches the description.
• Option B: An angle bisector divides an angle of the triangle into two equal parts and doesn't necessarily have to be perpendicular to the opposite side.
• Option C: A perpendicular bisector of a side of a triangle is a line that is perpendicular to the side and bisects it, but it doesn't have to originate from a vertex (it can be for any segment, not just from a vertex to the opposite side).

Answer:

A. altitude