Question

When constructing a perpendicular bisector, why must the compass opening be greater then 1/2 the length of the segment?

Answer 1

if the compass opening were only half the length of the segment, then the radius of the circle drawn would lie ontop of the center of the segment,

if the circle was ontop of the center of the segment, then you wouldnt be able to draw the perpendicular bisector line

i suggest trying to picture it in your head or actually drawing it out using a compass

Answer 2

if the compass opening was less than 1/2 teh segment, then the 2 arcs or circles drawn would not intersect and thus you would not be able to draw the perpendicular bisector as well

Answer 3

thanks a lot, i knew it was something like that i just wanted to make sure i was right. thanks again