The Encyclopedia of Geometry (0007)


Problem

There is one and only one straight line that passes through a point $O$ on a straight line $AB$ and is perpendicular to $AB$.


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Solution

 

When we draw a straight line $OC$ that bisects the flat angle $∠AOB$, both tangent angles $∠COA$ and $∠COB$ become $∠R$.

Therefore, $CO$ is perpendicular to $AB$.

Next, if in addition to $CO$ there is a straight line $DO$ that passes through $O$ and is perpendicular to $AB$, then

$$∠DOA=∠R.$$

However,

$$∠COA=∠R,$$

$$∴ \ ∠DOA=∠COA.$$

Therefore, since $DO$ overlaps $CO$, there is only one straight line that passes through $O$ and is perpendicular to $AB$.

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Reference

Teiichiro Sasabe (1976) The Encyclopedia of Geometry (2nd edition), Seikyo-Shinsha, p.5