Concept 4 of 10Foundation
Watch on YouTubeVideoPerpendicular from a point
Drop a perpendicular from a point P to a line ℓ:
- From P, draw an arc cutting ℓ at two points X, Y.
- From X and Y (same radius, bigger than XY/2), draw arcs meeting at Q (opposite side of P).
- Line PQ is perpendicular to ℓ.
Shortcut: use a set square's right-angle edge.
Example
Find the height of a triangle: drop a perpendicular from the top vertex to the base.
💡 Tip:Perpendicular = SHORTEST distance from a point to a line.
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5 questions to check what you just read.
0 / 5
- Q1.Shortest distance from a point to a line is:
- Q2.A set square's right-angle edge is useful for drawing:
- Q3.Perpendicular from a point P to line ℓ can be constructed using:
- Q4.If line ℓ is horizontal, the perpendicular from a point above ℓ is:
- Q5.Altitude in a triangle is: