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- intersects another line segment at a right angle (90o), and
- divides the intersected line segment into two equal parts.
The point of intersection of the perpendicular bisector with a line segment is the midpoint of the line segment.
Graphical Representation of a Perpendicular Bisector
The diagram below shows a graphical representation of a perpendicular bisector crossing a line segment on a Cartesian plane.
Fig. 1: Perpendicular bisector.
The perpendicular bisector crosses the midpoint of the points A (x1, y1) and B (x2, y2) that lie on the line segment. This is denoted by the coordinates M (xm, ym). The distance from the midpoint to either point A or B are of equal length. In other words, AM = BM.
Let the equation of the line containing the points A and B be y = m1 x + c where m1 is the slope of that line. Similarly, let the equation of the perpendicular bisector of this line be y = m2 x + d where m2 is the slope of the perpendicular bisector.
The slope of a line can also be referred to as the gradient.
As the two lines, y = m1 x + c and y = m2 x + d are perpendicular to each other, the product between the two slopes m1 and m2 is -1.
Equation of a Perpendicular Bisector
Referring back to the diagram above, say we are given the coordinates of two points A (x1, y1) and B (x2, y2). We want to find the equation of the perpendicular bisector that crosses the midpoint between A and B. We can locate the equation of the perpendicular bisector using the following method.
Step 1: Given points A (x1, y1) and B (x2, y2), find the coordinates of the midpoint using the Midpoint Formula.
Step 2: Calculate the slope of the line segment, m1, connecting A and B using the Gradient Formula.
Step 3: Determine the slope of the perpendicular bisector, m2, using the derivation below.
Step 4: Evaluate the equation of the perpendicular bisector using the Equation of a Line Formula and the found midpoint M (xm, ym) and slope m2.
Find the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the line segment joining the points (9, -3) and (-7, 1).
Solution
Let (x1, y1) = (9, -3) and (x2, y2) = (-7, 1).
The midpoint is given by:
The slope of the line segment joining the points (9, -3) and (-7, 1) is:
The slope of the perpendicular bisector of this line segment is:
We thus obtain the equation of the perpendicular bisector as:
Perpendicular Bisector Theorem
The Perpendicular Bisector Theorem tells us that any point on the perpendicular bisector is equidistant from both the endpoints of a line segment.
A point is said to be equidistant from a set of coordinates if the distances between that point and each coordinate in the set are equal.
Observe the diagram below.
Fig. 2: Perpendicular bisector theorem.
If the line MO is the perpendicular bisector of the line XY then:
Proof
Before we begin the proof, recall the SAS Congruence rule.
SAS Congruence
If two sides and an included angle of one triangle are equal to two sides and an included angle of another triangle then the triangles are congruent.
Fig. 3: Perpendicular bisector theorem proof.
Observe the sketch above. Comparing triangles XAM and YAM we find that:
XM = YM since M is the midpoint
AM = AM because it is a shared side
∠XMA = ∠YMA = 90o
By the SAS Congruence rule, triangles XAM and YAM are congruent. Using CPCTC, A is equidistant from both X and Y, or in other words, XA = YA as corresponding parts of congruent triangles.
Given the triangle XYZ below, determine the length of the side XZ if the perpendicular bisector of the line segment BZ is XA for the triangle XBZ. Here, XB = 17 cm and AZ = 6 cm.
Fig. 4: Example 1.
Since AX is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment BZ, any point on AX is equidistant from points B and Z by the Perpendicular Bisector Theorem. This implies that XB = XZ. Thus XZ = 17 cm.
The Converse of the Perpendicular Bisector Theorem
The Converse of the Perpendicular Bisector Theorem states that if a point is equidistant from the endpoints of a line segment in the same plane, then that point lies on the perpendicular bisector of the line segment.
To get a clearer picture of this, refer to the sketch below.
Fig. 5: Converse of perpendicular bisector theorem.
If XP = YP then the point P lies on the perpendicular bisector of the line segment XY.
Proof
Observe the diagram below.
Fig. 6: Converse of perpendicular bisector theorem proof.
We are given that XA = YA. We want to prove that XM = YM. Construct a perpendicular line from point A that intersects the line XY at point M. This forms two triangles, XAM and YAM. Comparing these triangles, notice that
XA = YA (given)
AM = AM (shared side)
∠XMA = ∠YMA = 90o
By the SAS Congruence rule, triangles XAM and YAM are congruent. As point A is equidistant from both X and Y then A lies on the perpendicular bisector of the line XY. Thus, XM = YM, and M is equidistant from both X and Y as well.
Given the triangle XYZ below, determine the length of the sides AY and AZ if XZ = XY = 5 cm. The line AX intersects the line segment YZ at a right-angle at point A.
Fig. 7: Example 2.
As XZ = XY = 5 cm, this implies that point A lies on the perpendicular bisector of YZ by the Converse of the Perpendicular Bisector Theorem. Thus, AY = AZ. Solving for x, we obtain,
Now that we have found the value of x, we can calculate the side AY as
Since AY = AZ , therefore, AY = AZ = 3 cm.
Perpendicular Bisector; Circumcenter of a Triangle
The perpendicular bisector of a triangle is a line segment that is drawn from the side of a triangle to the opposite vertex. This line is perpendicular to that side and passes through the midpoint of the triangle. The perpendicular bisector of a triangle divides the sides into two equal parts.
Every triangle has three perpendicular bisectors since it has three sides.
The circumcenter is a point at which all three perpendicular bisectors of a triangle intersect.
The circumcenter is the point of concurrency of the three perpendicular bisectors of a given triangle.
A point at which three or more distinct lines intersect is called a point of concurrency. Similarly, three or more lines are said to be concurrent if they pass through an identical point.
This is described in the diagram below where P is the circumcenter of the given triangle.
Fig. 8: Circumcenter theorem.
Circumcenter Theorem
The vertices of a triangle are equidistant from the circumcenter. In other words, given a triangle ABC, if the perpendicular bisectors of AB, BC, and AC meet at point P, then AP = BP = CP.
Proof
Observe the triangle ABC above. The perpendicular bisectors of line segments AB, BC, and AC are given. The perpendicular bisector of AC and BC intersect at point P. We want to show that point P lies on the perpendicular bisector of AB and is equidistant from A, B, and C. Now observe the line segments AP, BP, and CP.
By the Perpendicular Bisector Theorem, any point on the perpendicular bisector is equidistant from both the endpoints of a line segment. Thus, AP = CP and CP = BP.
By the transitive property, AP = BP.
The transitive property states that if A = B and B = C, then A = C.
By the Converse of the Perpendicular Bisector Theorem, any point equidistant from the endpoints of a segment lies on the perpendicular bisector. Thus, P lies on the perpendicular bisector of AB. As AP = BP = CP, so point P is equidistant from A, B and C.
Finding the Coordinates of the Circumcenter of a Triangle
Say we are given three points, A, B, and C that make up a triangle on the Cartesian graph. To locate the circumcenter of the triangle ABC, we can follow the method below.
Evaluate the midpoint of the two sides.
Find the slope of the two chosen sides.
Calculate the slope of the perpendicular bisector of the two chosen sides.
Determine the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the two chosen sides.
Equate the two equations in Step 4 to each other to find the x-coordinate.
Plug the found x-coordinate into one of the equations in Step 4 to identify the y-coordinate.
Locate the coordinates of the circumcenter of the triangle XYZ given the vertices X (-1, 3), Y (0, 2), and Z (-2, -2).
Let us begin by sketching the triangle XYZ.
Fig. 9: Example 3.
We shall attempt to find the perpendicular bisectors of the line segments XY and XZ given their respective midpoints.
Perpendicular Bisector of XY
The midpoint is given by:
The slope of the line segment XY is:
The slope of the perpendicular bisector of this line segment is:
We thus obtain the equation of the perpendicular bisector as
Perpendicular Bisector of XZ
The midpoint is given by:
The slope of the line segment XZ is:
The slope of the perpendicular bisector of this line segment is:
We thus obtain the equation of the perpendicular bisector as:
Set the equations of the Perpendicular Bisector of XY = Perpendicular Bisector of XZ
The x-coordinate is obtained by:
The y-coordinate can be found by:
Thus, the circumcenter is given by the coordinates
Angle Bisector Theorem
The Angle Bisector Theorem tells us that if a point lies on the bisector of an angle, then the point is equidistant from the sides of the angle.
This is described in the diagram below.
Fig. 10: Angle bisector theorem.
If the line segment CD bisects the ∠C and AD is perpendicular to AC and BD is perpendicular to BC, then AD = BD.
Before we begin the proof, recall the ASA Congruence rule.
ASA Congruence
If two angles and an included side of one triangle are equal to two angles and an included side of another triangle, then the triangles are congruent.
Proof
We need to show that AD = BD.
As the line CD bisects ∠C, this forms two angles of equal measures, namely ∠ACD = ∠BCD. Further, notice that since AD is perpendicular to AC and BD is perpendicular to BC, then ∠A = ∠B = 90o. Finally, CD = CD for both triangles ACD and BCD.
By the ASA Congruence rule, Triangle ACD is congruent to Triangle BCD. Thus, AD = BD.
Relationship Between the Angle Bisector Theorem and Triangles
We can indeed use this theorem in the context of triangles. Applying this concept, the angle bisector of any angle in a triangle divides the opposite side into two parts that are proportional to the other two sides of the triangle. This angle bisector divides the bisected angle into two angles of equal measures.
This ratio is described in the diagram below for triangle ABC.
Fig. 11: Angle bisector theorem and triangles.
If the angle bisector of ∠C is represented by the line segment CD and ∠ACD = ∠BCD, then:
The Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem
The Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem states that if a point is equidistant from the sides of an angle, then the point lies on the bisector of the angle.
This is illustrated in the diagram below.
Fig. 12: Converse of angle bisector theorem.
If AD is perpendicular to AC and BD is perpendicular to BC and AD = BD, then the line segment CD bisects the ∠C.
Proof
We need to show that CD bisects ∠C.
As AD is perpendicular to AC and BD is perpendicular to BC, then ∠A = ∠B = 90o. We are also given that AD = BD. Lastly, both triangles ACD and BCD share a common side upon drawing a line segment through ∠C, that is, CD = CD.
By the SAS Congruence rule, Triangle ACD is congruent to Triangle BCD. Thus, CD bisects ∠C.
Relationship Between the Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem and Triangles
As before, we can apply this theorem to triangles as well. In this context, a line segment constructed from any angle of a triangle that divides the opposite side into two parts such that they are proportional to the other two sides of a triangle implies that the point on the opposite side of that angle lies on the angle bisector.
This concept is illustrated below for triangle ABC.
Fig. 13: Converse of angle bisector theorem and triangles.
If then D lies on the angle bisector of ∠C and the line segment CD is the angle bisector of ∠C.
Observe the triangle XYZ below.
Fig. 14: Example 4.
Find the length of the side XZ if XA is the angle bisector of ∠X, XY = 8cm, AY = 3 cm and AZ = 4cm.
By the Angle Bisector Theorem for triangles, given that XA is the angle bisector of ∠X then
Thus, the length of XZ is approximately 10.67 cm.
The same concept applies to the Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem for triangles. Say we were given the triangle above with the measures XY = 8cm, XZ = cm, AY = 3 cm and AZ = 4cm. We want to determine whether point A lies on the angle bisector of ∠X. Evaluating the ratio of the corresponding sides, we find that
Thus, point A indeed lies on the angle bisector of ∠X and the line segment XA is the angle bisector of ∠X.
Incenter of a Triangle
The angle bisector of a triangle is a line segment that is drawn from the vertex of a triangle to the opposite side. The angle bisector of a triangle divides the bisected angle into two equal measures.
Every triangle has three angle bisectors since it has three angles.
The incenter is a point at which all three angle bisectors of a triangle intersect.
The incenter is the point of concurrency of the three angle bisectors of a given triangle. This is illustrated in the diagram below where Q is the incenter of the given triangle.
Fig. 15: Incentor theorem.
Incenter Theorem
The sides of a triangle are equidistant from the incenter. In other words, given a triangle ABC, if the angle bisectors of ∠A, ∠B, and ∠C meet at point Q, then QX = QY = QZ.
Proof
Observe the triangle ABC above. The angle bisectors of ∠A, ∠B and ∠C are given. The angle bisector of ∠A and ∠B intersect at point Q. We want to show that point Q lies on the angle bisector of ∠C and is equidistant from X, Y and Z. Now observe the line segments AQ, BQ and CQ.
By the Angle Bisector Theorem, any point lying on the bisector of an angle is equidistant from the sides of the angle. Thus, QX = QZ and QY = QZ.
By the transitive property, QX = QY.
By the Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem, a point that is equidistant from the sides of an angle lies on the bisector of the angle. Thus, Q lies on the angle bisector of ∠C. As QX = QY = QZ, so point Q is equidistant from X, Y and Z.
If s the incenter of the triangle XYZ, then find the value of in the figure below. XA, YB and ZC are the angle bisectors of the triangle.
Fig. 16: Example 5.
∠YXA and ∠ZYB are given by 32o and 27o respectively. Recall that an angle bisector divides an angle into two equal measures. Further note that the sum of the interior angles of a triangle is 180o.
Since Q is the incenter XA, YB and ZC are the angle bisectors of the triangle, then
Thus, ∠θ = 31o
The Median of a Triangle
The median is a line segment that connects the vertex of a triangle to the midpoint of the opposite side.
Every triangle has three medians since it has three vertices.
The centroid is a point at which all three medians of a triangle intersect.
The centroid is the point of concurrency of the three medians of a given triangle. This is shown in the illustration below where R is the incenter of the given triangle.
Fig. 17: Centroid theorem.
Centroid Theorem
The centroid of a triangle is two-thirds of the distance from each vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side. In other words, given a triangle ABC, if the medians of AB, BC, and AC meet at a point R, then
If R is the centroid of the triangle XYZ, then find the value of AR and XR given that XA = 21 cm in the diagram below. XA, YB, and ZC are the medians of the triangle.
Fig. 18: Example 6.
By the Centroid Theorem, we deduce that XR can be found by the formula:
The value of AR is:
Thus, cm and
cm.
The Altitude of a Triangle
The altitude is a line segment that passes through the vertex of a triangle and is perpendicular to the opposite side.
Every triangle has three altitudes since it has three vertices.
The orthocenter is a point at which all three altitudes of a triangle intersect.
The orthocenter is the point of concurrency of the three altitudes of a given triangle. This is described in the image below where S is the orthocenter of the given triangle.
Fig. 19: Orthocenter of a triangle.
It may be helpful to note that the location of the orthocenter, S depends on the type of triangle given.
| Type of Triangle | Position of the Orthocenter, S |
| Acute | S lies inside the triangle |
| Right | S lies on the triangle |
| Obtuse | S lies outside the triangle |
Locating the Orthocenter of a Triangle
Say we are given a set of three points for a given triangle A, B and C. We can determine the coordinates of the orthocenter of a triangle using the Orthocenter Formula. This is given by the technique below.
Find the slope of the two sides
Calculate the slope of the perpendicular bisector of the two chosen sides (note that the altitude for each vertex of the triangle coincides with the opposite side).
Determine the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the two chosen sides with its corresponding vertex.
Equate the two equations in Step 3 to each other to find the x-coordinate.
Plug the found x-coordinate into one of the equations in Step 3 to identify the y-coordinate.
Locate the coordinates of the orthocenter of the triangle XYZ given the vertices X (-5, 7), Y (5, -1), and Z (-3, 1). XA, YB and ZC are the altitudes of the triangle.
We begin by drawing a rough sketch of the triangle XYZ.
Fig. 20: Example 7.
We shall attempt to find the perpendicular bisectors of the line segments XY and XZ given their respective vertices.
Perpendicular Bisector of XY
The corresponding vertex for XY is given by the point Z (-3, 1)
The slope of the line segment XY is:
The slope of the perpendicular bisector of this line segment is:
We thus obtain the equation of the perpendicular bisector as:
Perpendicular Bisector of XZ
The corresponding vertex for XZ is given by the point Y (5, -1)
The slope of the line segment XZ is:
The slope of the perpendicular bisector of this line segment is:
We thus obtain the equation of the perpendicular bisector as:
Set the equations of the Perpendicular Bisector of XY = Perpendicular Bisector of XZ
The x-coordinate is obtained by:
The y-coordinate can be found by:
Thus, the orthocenter is given by the coordinates
Perpendicular Bisector - Key takeaways
Important Theorems
Theorem Description The Perpendicular Bisector Theorem Any point on the perpendicular bisector is equidistant from both the endpoints of a line segment.
The Converse of the Perpendicular Bisector Theorem If a point is equidistant from the endpoints of a line segment in the same plane, then that point lies on the perpendicular bisector of the line segment.
The Angle Bisector Theorem If a point lies on the bisector of an angle, then the point is equidistant from the sides of the angle.
The Angle Bisector Theorem and Triangles The angle bisector of any angle in a triangle divides the opposite side into two parts that are proportional to the other two sides of the triangle and divides the bisected angle into two angles of equal measures.
The Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem If a point is equidistant from the sides of an angle, then the point lies on the bisector of the angle.
The Converse of the Angle Bisector Theorem and Triangles A line segment constructed from any angle of a triangle that divides the opposite side into two parts such that they are proportional to the other two sides of a triangle implies that the point on the opposite side of that angle lies on the angle bisector. Important Concepts
Concept Point of Concurrency Property Perpendicular bisector Circumcenter The vertices of a triangle are equidistant from the circumcenter. Angle bisector Incenter The sides of a triangle are equidistant from the incenter. Median Centroid The centroid of a triangle is two-thirds of the distance from each vertex to the midpoint of the opposite side. Altitude Orthocenter The line segments including the altitudes of the triangle are concurrent at the orthocenter. Method: Determine the Equation of the Perpendicular Bisector
- Find the coordinates of the midpoint.
- Calculate the slope of the chosen line segments.
- Determine the slope of the perpendicular bisector.
- Evaluate the equation of the perpendicular bisector.
- Method: Finding the Coordinates of the Circumcenter of a Triangle
Evaluate the midpoint of two sides.
Find the slope of the two chosen sides.
Calculate the slope of the perpendicular bisector of the two chosen sides.
Determine the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the two chosen sides.
Equate the two equations in Step 4 to each other to find the x-coordinate.
Plug the found x-coordinate into one of the equations in Step 4 to identify the y-coordinate.
Method: Locating the Orthocenter of a Triangle
- Find the slope of the two sides.
- Calculate the slope of the perpendicular bisector of the two chosen sides.
- Determine the equation of the perpendicular bisector of the two chosen sides with its corresponding vertex.
- Equate the two equations in Step 3 to each other to find the x-coordinate.
- Plug the found x-coordinate into one of the equations in Step 3 to identify the y-coordinate.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Perpendicular Bisector
What is a perpendicular bisector in geometry?
The perpendicular bisector divides a segment into two equal halves.
How do you find the perpendicular bisector?
How to find the perpendicular bisector: Determine the line segment that divides another line segment into two equal parts at right angles.
How do you find the equation of a perpendicular bisector?
How to find the equation of a perpendicular bisector:
- Find the midpoint of two given points
- Calculate the slope of two given points
- Derive the slope of the perpendicular bisector
- Determine the equation of the perpendicular bisector
What is an example of a perpendicular bisector?
The perpendicular bisector of a triangle is a line segment that is drawn from the side of a triangle to the opposite vertex. This line is perpendicular to that side and passes through the midpoint of the triangle. The perpendicular bisector of a triangle divides the sides into two equal parts.
What is a perpendicular bisector?
A perpendicular bisector is a line segment that intersects another line segment at a right angle or 90o. The perpendicular bisector divides the intersected line into two equal parts at its midpoint.
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