Question

question 2 / 6
johnny is going to construct a segment which is perpendicular to and bisects pq. which of the following could be the first step of his construction?
a. use a straight edge to measure the length of pq.
b. use a straight edge to draw a line which intersects pq.
c. place the stable end of the compass on pq and draw an arc that passes through one of the endpoints.
d. place the stable end of the compass on one of the endpoints of pq and draw an arc that passes through the segment.

Explanation:

Step1: Recall construction steps

To construct a perpendicular bisector of a line - segment PQ, the first step is to place the stable end of the compass on one of the endpoints of PQ and draw an arc that passes through the segment. This is a standard first - step in the construction of a perpendicular bisector.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A: Measuring the length of PQ is not the first step in constructing a perpendicular bisector.
• Option B: Drawing a random line that intersects PQ is not the first step in constructing a perpendicular bisector.
• Option C: Placing the compass on PQ is incorrect; it should be placed on an endpoint.
• Option D: This is the correct first step as described in the standard construction of a perpendicular bisector.

Answer:

D. Place the stable end of the compass on one of the endpoints of PQ and draw an arc that passes through the segment.