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Use the compass and straightedge to construct a segment congruent to \( \overline{W X} \) with endpoint \( P \). Constructing congruent line segments

Ask by Chen Frazier. in the United States
Mar 17,2025

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Answer

To construct a segment congruent to \( \overline{WX} \) with endpoint \( P \), follow these steps: 1. **Set Compass Width**: Adjust the compass to the length of \( \overline{WX} \). 2. **Draw Arc**: Place the compass point on \( P \) and draw an arc to mark the desired length. 3. **Mark Point \( Q \)**: Identify the intersection point \( Q \) of the arc with a ray from \( P \). 4. **Draw Segment \( \overline{PQ} \)**: Use the straightedge to connect \( P \) and \( Q \). Since the compass was set to the length of \( \overline{WX} \), \( \overline{PQ} \) is congruent to \( \overline{WX} \).

Solution

1. Locate the given segment \( \overline{WX} \) and the point \( P \) (which is not necessarily collinear with \( WX \)). 2. Open the compass to the length of \( \overline{WX} \) (i.e., adjust the compass so that the distance between its points equals the length of \( WX \)). 3. With the compass set to this width, place the compass point on \( P \) and draw an arc. This arc represents all points that are exactly the distance \( WX \) from \( P \). 4. Mark the point \( Q \) where the arc intersects a ray emanating from \( P \) (you may construct any ray from \( P \) as long as the arc intersects it). 5. Draw the segment \( \overline{PQ} \) with the straightedge. Since the compass width was set equal to \( WX \), by the definition of a circle, \( \overline{PQ} \) is congruent to \( \overline{WX} \). Thus, the desired construction is complete: \[ \overline{PQ} \cong \overline{WX} \]

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The Deep Dive

To construct a segment congruent to \( \overline{WX} \) with one endpoint at \( P \), first, place the point \( P \) on your paper. Then, using your compass, measure the length of the segment \( \overline{WX} \) by placing the compass point on \( W \) and stretching it to \( X \). Keeping this distance, relocate the compass to point \( P \) and draw an arc. This arc will represent the endpoint of the new segment. Lastly, label the intersection of the arc and a straight line drawn from \( P \) as point \( Q \). The segment \( \overline{PQ} \) is now congruent to \( \overline{WX} \)! Did you know that compass and straightedge constructions date back to ancient Greece? Mathematicians like Euclid used these tools to lay the groundwork for geometry, and they were key in solving problems related to circles, angles, and more. These constructions relied heavily on principles of congruence and similarity, setting a strong foundation for modern mathematics. If you're keen to dive deeper, consider exploring more advanced geometric constructions! Books like "Geometric Constructions" by Henrique G. A. M. P. de Almeida offer challenges like angle trisection or dividing a segment into equal parts, which are fascinating and raise the stakes on what you can achieve with just a compass and straightedge! Plus, they can also serve as a fantastic hands-on activity for students or puzzle lovers!

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