Chapter 14.
Locus and Constructions
Formulae
Theorems on Locus:
(a) The locus of a point equidistant from a fixed point is a circle with the fixed point as centre.
(b) The locus of a point equidistant from two interacting lines is the bisector of the angles
between the lines.
(c) The locus of a point equidistant from two given points is the perpendicular bisector of the
line joining the points.
Prove the Following
Question 1. The bisector of ∠ B and ∠C of a quadrilateral ABCD intersect in P, show that P is
equidistant from the opposite sides AB and CD.
Question 2. Prove that the common chord of two intersecting circles is bisected at right angles
by the line of centres.
Question 4. In Fig. ABCD is a quadrilateral in which AB = BC. E is the point of intersection of
the right bisectors of AD and CD. Prove that BE bisects ∠ABC.
Figure Based Questions
Question 3. State and draw the locus of a swimmer maintaining the same distance from a
lighthouse.
Question 4. State and draw the locus of a point equidistant from two given parallel lines.
Question 5. l is the perpendicular bisector of line segment PQ and R is a point on the same
side of l as P. The segment QR intersects l at X. Prove that PX + XR = QR.
Question 6. Construct a Δ ABC, with AB = 6 cm, AC = BC = 9 cm; find a point 4 cm from A
and equidistant from B and C.
Question 7. Given a Δ ABC with unequal sides. Find a point which is equidistant from B and C
as well as from AB and AC.
Question 8. Prove that the common chord of two intersecting circles is bisected at right angles
by the line of centres.
Question 9. Find the locus of the centre of a circle of radius r touching externally a circle of
radius R.
Question 12. The diagonals of a quadrilateral bisect each other at right angles. Show that the
quadrilateral is a rhombus.
Question 13. What is the locus of points which are equidistant from the given non-collinear
point A, B and C? Justify your answer.
Question 14. Find the locus of points which are equidistant from three non-collinear points.
Question 15. Show that the locus of the centres of all circles passing through two given points
A and B, is the perpendicular bisector of the line segment AB.
From (i) and (ii), it follows that P and Q both lies on the perpendicular bisector of AB.
Hence, the locus of the centres of all the circles passing through A and B is the perpendicular
bisector of AB.
Question 16. Using ruler and compasses construct:
(i) a triangle ABC in which AB = 5.5 cm, BC = 3.4 cm and CA = 4.9 cm.
(ii) the locus of point equidistant from A and C.
(iii) a circle touching AB at A and passing through C.
Question 18. ΔPBC and ΔQBC are two isosceles triangles on the same base BC but on the
opposite sides of line BC. Show that PQ bisects BC at right angles.
Question 20. Without using set squares or protractor construct:
(i) Triangle ABC, in which AB = 5.5 cm, BC = 3.2 cm and CA = 4.8 cm.
(ii) Draw the locus of a point which moves so that it is always 2.5 cm from B.
(iii) Draw the locus of a point which moves so that it is equidistant from the sides BC and CA.
(iv) Mark the point of intersection of the loci with the letter P and measure PC.
Question 21. Use ruler and compasses only for this question. Draw a circle of radius 4 cm and
mark two chords AB and AC of the circle of length f 6 cm and 5 cm respectively.
(i) Construct the locus of points, inside the circle, that are equidistant from A and C. Prove your
construction.
(ii) Construct the locus of points, inside the circle, that are equidistant from AB and AC.
Question 22. Draw two intersecting lines to include an angle of 30°. Use ruler and compass to
locate points, which are equidistant from these lines and also 2 cm away from these points of
intersection. How many such points exist ?
Question 23. How will you find a point equidistant from three given points A, B, C which are
not in the same straight line?
Question 24. Without using set squares or protractor.
Question 28. Use ruler and compasses only for this question. Draw a circle of radius 4 cm and
mark two chords AB and AC of the circle of length 6 cm and 5 cm respectively.
(i) Construct the locus of points, inside the circle, that are equidistant from A and C. Prove your
construction.
(ii) Construct the locus of points, inside the circle, that are equidistant from AB and AC.
With C as centre and the same radius, draw two arcs on opposite sides of AC to intersect the
former arcs at P and Q.
Join PQ and produce to cut the circle at D and E.
Join DE. Then chord DE is the locus of points inside the circle that Ls equidistant from A and C.
As chord DE passes through (he centre O of the circle, it is a diameter. To prove the
construction take any point S inside the circle on DE.
Question 29. Use ruler and compasses only for the following questions:
Question 30. Ruler and compass only may be used in this question. All construction lines and
arcs must be clearly shown, and be of sufficient length and clarity to permit assessment.
(i) Construct Δ ABC, in which BC = 8 cm, AB = 5 cm, ∠ ABC = 60°.
Question 31. Ruler and compasses only may be used in this question. All construction lines
and arcs must be clearly shown, and be of sufficient length and clarity to permit assessment.
Graphical Depiction
Question 1. Use graph paper for this question. Take 2 cm = 1 unit on both axis.
(i) Plot the points A (1, 1), B (5, 3) and C (2, 7);
(ii) Construct the locus of points equidistant from A and B;
(iii) Construct the locus of points equidistant from AB and AC;
(iv) Locate the point P such that PA = PB and P is equidistant from AB and AC;
(v) Measure and record the length PA in cm.
