Bisect \angle RQP.
To bisect ∠RQP means to divide the angle into two equal parts. A bisector of an angle is a ray that starts at the vertex of the angle (in this case, point Q) and cuts the angle exactly in half.
✅ Correct Answer:
The bisector of ∠RQP is a ray that starts at Q and divides the angle ∠RQP into two equal angles. We can call this ray QT, where point T lies in the interior of ∠RQP such that
∠RQT = ∠TQP.
Explanation:
To understand how to bisect ∠RQP, we need to explore what it means to bisect an angle and how it’s done.
An angle is formed by two rays with a common endpoint called the vertex. In ∠RQP, the vertex is Q, and the rays are QR and QP. The angle formed between these two rays is what we want to divide into two equal parts.
The process of bisecting an angle can be done using geometric tools like a compass and straightedge:
- Place the compass on point Q (the vertex).
- Draw an arc that intersects both arms of the angle (QR and QP). Let’s say it intersects QR at point A and QP at point B.
- Without changing the compass width, place the compass on point A and draw a small arc inside the angle.
- Then, keeping the same compass width, place the compass on point B and draw another arc, intersecting the one drawn from A.
- Label the intersection of the arcs as point T.
- Draw ray QT. This ray is the angle bisector of ∠RQP.
Now, QT splits ∠RQP into two congruent angles, meaning: ∠RQT=∠TQP∠RQT = ∠TQP
This is useful in many fields, including construction, design, and geometry proofs. Bisecting an angle helps in creating symmetry or solving geometric problems that require equal division of space or direction. It’s a foundational concept in geometry and plays a key role in triangle constructions, particularly in finding the incenter of a triangle.
