To begin the construction of an angle bisector using only a compass and a straightedge, the very first step is to draw an arc that intersects both rays of the given angle. Here’s how to do it:
First, place the compass pointer on the vertex of the angle (the point where the two rays meet). Adjust the compass to a comfortable width, then draw an arc across both rays of the angle. This arc will create two intersection points, one on each ray of the angle. By starting with this arc, you’ll set the foundation for finding the precise middle of the angle in the subsequent steps.
Following this, you will use these intersection points in conjunction with a straightedge to complete the construction of the angle bisector accurately. This technique is fundamental in geometry and helps in understanding the properties of angles and their bisectors. Remember, patience and precision are key during this process!