Question

Which of the following steps is not necessary to construct an angle bisector using a compass?

Option 1: Place the compass point on the vertex of the angle, and adjust the compass to a set width.
Option 2: Use a straightedge to connect the intersecting arcs on the interior of the angle.
Option 3: Select the angle bisector function.
Option 4: Sketch an arc across each leg of the angle.

Answer 1

Option 3, 'Select the angle bisector function,' is not necessary for constructing an angle bisector using a compass as traditional compass constructions are manual and do not include selectable functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The step which is not necessary to construct an angle bisector using a compass is Option 3: Select the angle bisector function. Traditional compass constructions do not include a function to select but require manual adjustments and use.

The steps to construct an angle bisector are:

1. Place the compass point on the vertex of the angle, and adjust the compass to a set width.
2. Sketch an arc across each leg of the angle, creating two intersection points on the interior of the angle.
3. Without adjusting the compass width, place the compass point on one of the intersection points and draw an arc inside the angle.
4. Repeat the previous step with the compass on the other intersection point to create a second arc that intersects with the first.
5. Use a straightedge to connect the vertex of the angle to the point where the arcs intersect, which is the bisector of the angle.

The correct process does not involve selecting any kind of function on a traditional compass; it is entirely a manual process.