Perpendicular Through a Point NOT on a Line
- Author:
- Edward Knote
Explore the construction of a perpendicular line through a point NOT on a line.
Summarize the properties and construction of perpendicular lines, points, and circles.
Hint: If you are not familiar with the construction steps necessary for the perpendicular line through a point NOT on the line construction, you might want to explore the applet below. Just use
the buttons of the Navigation Bar in order to replay the construction steps.
Task:
Construct a perpendicular line to line AB through point C by following the construction steps provided below.
Construction Steps:
| 1. |  | Construct another point on line AB. (point D) | 5. |  | Create circle DE. (Circle e) | |
| | Hint: | Be sure to test that when you move point D it stays attached to line AB. | 6. |  | Construct the intersection points between circles d & e. (points F & G) | |
| 2. | | Create circle CD. (Circle c) | 7. |  | Create line FG. (line g) | |
| 3. | | Construct the second intersection point between circle c and line AB. (point E) |  | You can construct segment EF and FD to explore their relationship. | ||
| 4. | | Create circle ED. (Circle d) | | | You can also construct segment EG and GD to explore their relationship. |