Perpendicular bisector

See perpendicular bisector construction. This construction shows how to draw the perpendicular bisector of a given line segment with compass and straightedge or ruler. This construction bisects the segment (divides it into two equal parts, and is perpendicular to it.            1

STEPS:                                                                     2
First of all we need to draw a segment. We call it PQ (it could have been given).

1. Center your compass in point P, open it further from the middle of the segment PQ, and draw an arc.
2. Do the same from point Q, where these arcs cross each other we get points 1 and 2.
3. Join 1 and 2, and this way we will get the line bisector of segment PQ.

• Step-by-step instruction sheet.
• Try it yourself.