IGD: Dropping a Perpendicular Line
Grade:
High School
Constructing a line perpendicular to a given line and through a point not on the line is one of the most important constructions in geometry. This process is known as dropping a perpendicular, because a perpendicular line is "dropped" from the point to the line.
How to Use
· Use the points on the sliders to adjust the radii of the circles.
· You can drag points to change the location and
orientation of the construction.
Buttons
The buttons will appear sequentially.
The Reset button will
allow you to start over.
- Construct a proof of this construction. If you
need a hint, click on the Hint- Why It
Works button at the end of the construction.
- Where do you see perpendicular lines in
real-life.
- Create a scenario where you would need to drop a
perpendicular line from a specific point.
NCTM Standards and Expectations- Understand that by similarity, side ratios in right triangles are properties of the angles in the triangle, leading to definitions of trigonometric ratios for acute angles.