Question 16
Construct a triangle ABC with BC = 5 cm, AB = 6 cm, CA = 5 cm. Construct an altitude from A to BC.
We will first draw the triangle using given side lengths, then draw a perpendicular line from one vertex to the opposite side.
Step 1 — Constructing Triangle ABC
Let us draw a line segment first.
Mark a point B on this line.
Use a ruler to measure 5 cm.
Mark point C on the line, 5 cm from B.
So, the base BC is 5 cm.
Now, open your compass to 6 cm.
Place the compass point at B.
Draw an arc above the line BC.
Next, open your compass to 5 cm.
Place the compass point at C.
Draw another arc above BC.
These two arcs will cross each other.
Let us call this crossing point A.
Use your ruler to join A to B.
Use your ruler to join A to C.
We have now constructed triangle ABC.

Step 2 — Constructing Altitude AD
An altitude is a special line.
It starts from a vertex.
It goes straight down to the opposite side.
It must meet the side at a 90-degree angle.
We want the altitude from vertex A to side BC.
Place your compass point at A.
Open the compass to a suitable width.
Draw an arc that cuts the line BC.
It should cut BC at two different points.
Let us name these points P and Q.
Now, place the compass point at P.
Open the compass to a width greater than half of PQ.
Draw an arc below the line BC.
Keep the compass width the same.
Place the compass point at Q.
Draw another arc below BC.
These two new arcs will cross each other.
Let us name this crossing point R.
Use your ruler to draw a straight line.
This line goes from A through R.
This line will meet BC at a point.
Let us name this point D.
The line segment AD is our altitude.
It is perpendicular to BC.

Answer
(i) The triangle ABC is constructed with BC = 5 cm, AB = 6 cm, and CA = 5 cm. (ii) The altitude AD from vertex A to side BC is constructed.
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Construct triangles for the following measurements:
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(b) 25°, 3 cm, 60°
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(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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