What is a Perpendicular Bisect?
28 Feb 2022
A line that divides a given straight line exactly into two halves that results in the formation of 90 degrees can be defined as the
.A line segment consists of three parts, the initial point, the terminal point, and the midpoint. The perpendicular bisector crosses through the midpoint of the line segment. As the name suggests, the perpendicular bisector bisects the line segment into two halves. The two halves bisected by the perpendicular bisector are equal in terms of length. A perpendicular bisector can be drawn using a ruler or a protractor. In this article, we will discuss some interesting topics which include, what is a perpendicular line, how to construct a perpendicular bisector and a perpendicular line, and many more.
What is a Perpendicular Line?
In geometry, there are various types of lines which include parallel lines, vertical and horizontal lines, and so on. Likewise, a perpendicular line is a type of line which intersects with each other exactly at 90 degrees. Two intersecting lines intersect with one another to form a
. This line is also considered as one of the types of straight lines. Vertical and horizontal lines are also types of straight lines. Lines that move sideways can be defined as horizontal lines. Lines that move from top to bottom and bottom to top can be defined as vertical lines. As with every other term in mathematics, perpendicular lines also comprise their property. The following points mentioned below analyze the properties of a perpendicular line.
- The perpendicular lines always meet or intersect with each other.
- The angle formed between two intersecting lines is equivalent to 90 degrees. An angle formed by 90 degrees is known as a right angle.
We may discuss the construction of perpendicular lines in the next sections.
Steps of Constructing a Perpendicular Line
To recall, a perpendicular line is a type of line which intersects with each other exactly at 90 degrees. A perpendicular line can be drawn with the help of a compass and a protractor. The following points mentioned below analyze the steps of constructing a perpendicular line using a protractor.
- To draw a perpendicular line at the point 'P', place the baseline of the protractor along the line such that the center points at P.
- Mark point 'B' at 90 degrees which is directed by the protractor.
- Now, remove the protractor and join both the points P and B. This line refers to the perpendicular line.
Perpendicular Lines Vs Parallel Lines
The following points mentioned below analyze the distinctive points which differ a perpendicular line from a parallel line.
- Those lines which never intersect each other and are apart from each other can be defined as the parallel line. A perpendicular line is a type of line which intersects with each other exactly at 90 degrees.
- Symbols used to refer to the parallel line is '//' whereas, the symbol used to refer to the perpendicular line is 'L'.
- Examples of perpendicular lines are the steps of a ladder, the sides which are opposite in a rectangle. Examples of parallel lines are corners of the walls forming the shape L.
Steps of Constructing a Perpendicular Bisector
As mentioned above, a line that divides a given straight line exactly into two halves that results in the formation of 90 degrees can be defined as the perpendicular bisector. The steps of constructing a perpendicular bisector are listed below.
- Make a line segment and name them XY.
- Make arcs on both above and below the line segment XY as the center X.
- Now, repeat the same step by taking Y as the center.
- Then label the points as P and Q.
- Finally, join both the points P and Q to get the perpendicular bisector.
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