Question

Could you provide me with step-by-step instructions on how to construct a perpendicular from a point to a line please?

Answer 1

Using a compass and ruler? or with equations?

Answer 2

Using a compass and a ruler

Answer 3

1) make your compass large enough so that if you draw a circle around the point that it extends past the line. and draw that curve/arc so it intersects the line twice.
2) These two intersections are equidistant to the point. If you find the midpoint of these points on the line then connecting the midpoint to you first point is the perpendicular bisector (guaranteeing that the line is perpendicular and goes through that external point).
3) you construct the perpendicular bisector between the two points on the line (lets name them a and b) by making your compass longer than the distance between the points and drawing the same sized circle at (a) and (b). These two circles should intersect at 2 points. Take your ruler and connect the two intersection points of the two circles. This line should intersect the point and the line at a perpendicular angle.

Answer 4

In step 1, the point of your compass needs to be on the point
In step 3 the point of the compass needs to be on point (a) for one circle and (b) for the other.

Answer 5

This might also help: http://tinyurl.com/8wbdxz3

Answer 6

Okay, thank you both very much. :)