What is the first step in the construction of a line perpendicular to AB←→ and passing through an external point M? Assume that the construction uses only a compass and a straightedge.

Place the compass needle on M and, keeping the compass width the same, draw two arcs that intersect AB←→.

Place the compass needle at any point on AB←→, and set the compass width to M.

Draw a line from point M passing through AB←→, and mark the point of intersection.

Place the compass needle at any two points on AB←→, and draw two arcs through M.

Question

What is the first step in the construction of a line perpendicular to AB←→ and passing through an external point M? Assume that the construction uses only a compass and a straightedge.

    Place the compass needle on M and, keeping the compass width the same, draw two arcs that intersect AB←→.

    Place the compass needle at any point on AB←→, and set the compass width to M.

    Draw a line from point M passing through AB←→, and mark the point of intersection.

    Place the compass needle at any two points on AB←→, and draw two arcs through M.

anonymous · Answer

@bibby @mathstudent55

anonymous · Answer

I'm thinking it's A, but I don't know for sure.