SOLUTION: Ok, there is a picture of a triangle ABC with a straight perpendicular line. The diagram shows the markings for constructing the altitude of ABC. this is based on which of the foll

Algebra ->  Real-numbers -> SOLUTION: Ok, there is a picture of a triangle ABC with a straight perpendicular line. The diagram shows the markings for constructing the altitude of ABC. this is based on which of the foll      Log On


   

Question 40678: Ok, there is a picture of a triangle ABC with a straight perpendicular line. The diagram shows the markings for constructing the altitude of ABC. this is based on which of the following consructions?
A. construct a ray that bisects a given angle.
B. construct the perpendicular bisector of a given line segment.
C. Construct a point equidistant from the endpoints of a given line segment.
D. constrcut a linge through a given point and perpendicular to a given line segment.
I am told the answer is D, but I do not understand why.
Answer by astromathman(21) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
An altitude of a triangle is defined as the perpendicular from any one vertex to the line containing the opposite side. Therefore you need to be able to construct a perpendicular to a line through a point not on the line.