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Copying a Line Segment
Constructing a 30° Angle
Constructing a 60° Angle
Finding the Center of a Circle
Constructing Circumcenter of a Triangle
Constructing an Equilateral Triangle
Constructing a Perpendicular Bisector of a Line Segment
Constructing a Perpendicular at the Endpoint of a Ray
Constructing Tangents Through an External Point

Constructing a Perpendicular Bisector of a Line Segment

(This demonstration shows how to draw a perpendicular bisector of a line segment, using only a compass and straight edge.)

Step by Step Instructions
  1. Place the compass on one end of the line segment.
  2. Set the compass width to an approximately two thirds the line length. The actual width does not matter.
  3. Without changing the compass width, draw a circle.
  4. Again without changing the compass width, place the compass point on the other end of the line. Draw a circle so that the arcs cross the first circle.
  5. Using a straightedge, draw a line between the points where the circles intersect.
  6. This line is perpendicular to the first line and bisects it (cuts it at the exact midpoint of the line).

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