Geometry For Dummies
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To construct a perpendicular bisector of a segment, you use your compass to locate two points that are each equidistant from the segment's endpoints and then finish with your straightedge. The following example shows you how it's done.

geometry-bisector

This figure should help as you work through the construction process:

geometry-perpendicular-bisector
Constructing a perpendicular bisector.
  1. Open your compass to any radius r that's more than half the length of segment CD, and construct arc (C, r).
  2. Construct arc (D, r) intersecting arc (C, r) at points G and H.
  3. Draw line GH. You're done: line GH is the perpendicular bisector of segment CD.

About This Article

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About the book author:

Mark Ryan is the founder and owner of The Math Center in the Chicago area, where he provides tutoring in all math subjects as well as test preparation. Mark is the author of Calculus For Dummies, Calculus Workbook For Dummies, and Geometry Workbook For Dummies.

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