Math Is Fun Forum

haftakhan

Member

Registered: 2010-06-28

Posts: 30

Making a line bisector

I want to know that if the question states that make a line of length 10 cm and make a bisector.

So does that mean a perpendicular bisector or its something else ?

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Making a line bisector

Hi haftakhan;

A bisector of a line does not have to be perpendicular to it. Not unless it states it.

Here is an animation to draw a perpendicular bisector:

http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/cons … isect.html

Any line through the midpoint would also be a bisector.

Line I divides line segment AB because it passes through the midpoint O of AB. It is clearly not perpendicular.

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

haftakhan

Member

Registered: 2010-06-28

Posts: 30

Re: Making a line bisector

my question don't state that a perpendicular bisector be made.my question states like this DRAW A LINE AB 10 CM AND BISECT IT.

So what should be done in this case ?

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Making a line bisector

my question don't state that a perpendicular bisector be made.my question states like this DRAW A LINE AB 10 CM AND BISECT IT.

Sorry, but this is what you asked.

So does that mean a perpendicular bisector or its something else ?

You asked whether the bisector had to be a perpendicular one. I showed you that it doesn't.

Did you watch the video? It shows you how to get the midpoint of the line AB.

To draw a line segment 10 cm you must use a compass with markings or a ruler with markings. Technically both are illegal in geometric constructions, since markings are forbidden. But...

Go here:

http://www.tutorvista.com/math/draw-a-l … ne-segment

There he shows how to get the illegal construction you require, Actually you should know how to do this. Once you have your line segment that is 10 cm long. You go here as I already indicated earlier.

http://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/cons … isect.html

That gets the midpoint of your line segment. Now draw any straight line through the midpoint and you have a bisector.

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.