Lesson T4.2.2

T4.2.2 Ruler and compass constructions Quiz: KS3 Maths, Unit 4

20 questions

Written by Revision Ninja · Last reviewed 11 October 2026

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Lesson T4.2.2, Ruler and compass constructions: 20 multiple choice questions for the KS3 Maths (National Curriculum), Unit 4: Geometry and measures, written with Revision Ninja.

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The 20 questions

  1. Which construction gives the perpendicular bisector of a line segment?

    • Using a ruler to measure half the length and drawing a line at 90 degrees through that point
    • Drawing a circle centred on one end of the segment and joining where it meets the line
    • Drawing a line at 45 degrees to the segment from one end and marking the crossing point
    • Using compasses to draw arcs from both ends and joining the crossing points

  2. Which tools are needed for a ruler and compass construction?

    • A ruler and a pair of compasses
    • A protractor and a calculator
    • Scissors and tracing paper
    • A ruler and a set square

  3. What does a perpendicular bisector of a line segment do?

    • It turns the segment into an angle
    • It moves the segment to a new place
    • It makes the segment twice as long
    • It cuts the segment in half at right angles

  4. How do you bisect an angle using compasses?

    • Measure both arms with a ruler and mark the midpoint of each, then join the two midpoints together
    • Draw a line at 90 degrees to one arm from the vertex, then check the angle with a protractor
    • Draw a circle centred on the vertex, then join the two points where it meets the arms with a straight line
    • Draw equal arcs from the vertex on both arms, then draw a line from the vertex through where the arcs cross

  5. What is the perpendicular distance from a point to a line?

    • The longest distance from the point to the end of the line
    • The distance from the point to the middle of the line
    • The shortest distance from the point to the line
    • The distance measured along a line at 45 degrees

  6. When constructing a perpendicular from a point on a line, which statement is true?

    • The new line meets the given line at 90 degrees
    • The new line meets the given line at 60 degrees
    • The new line is twice as long as the given line
    • The new line is parallel to the given line

  7. Point P is 4 cm from a line, measured along the perpendicular. What is the perpendicular distance from P to the line?

    • 4 cm
    • 8 cm
    • 4.5 cm
    • 5 cm

  8. When constructing a perpendicular bisector of segment AB, which arc is drawn first?

    • A line from A to B, extended past B to mark the midpoint of the line
    • A small arc from A with a radius of 1 cm, drawn before any other arc
    • Equal arcs from A and from B, with a radius more than half of AB
    • A circle centred on the midpoint of AB with a radius equal to AB

  9. Why must the compass width stay the same for both arcs in a perpendicular bisector?

    • So the arcs meet at exactly 90 degrees to the segment
    • So the perpendicular bisector is always exactly 5 cm long
    • So the two crossing points are equally far from both ends
    • So the crossing points lie on the segment itself, not above or below it

  10. What must you leave visible on a construction diagram?

    • Only the protractor readings
    • All construction arcs and lines used
    • Only the final answer line
    • Only the measurements in centimetres

  11. Where does the perpendicular bisector of a 10 cm segment cross the segment?

    • At 5 cm from each end
    • At 4 cm from each end
    • At 10 cm from each end
    • At 2 cm from one end

  12. Which construction makes a right angle at a point on a line?

    • Constructing a perpendicular at a point on the line
    • Drawing a parallel line through a point not on the line
    • Drawing a circle centred on a point on the line with a fixed radius
    • Measuring a reflex angle of more than 180 degrees with a protractor

  13. Which tool is needed to construct a triangle with sides 5 cm, 6 cm and 7 cm accurately?

    • A set square only
    • A calculator only
    • A ruler and compasses
    • A protractor only

  14. After bisecting an angle ABC of 80 degrees, what is the size of each of the two smaller angles?

    • 160 degrees
    • 80 degrees
    • 20 degrees
    • 40 degrees

  15. Angle ABC is 120 degrees and is bisected. What is each of the two equal parts?

    • 60 degrees
    • 240 degrees
    • 30 degrees
    • 120 degrees

  16. Line segment AB is 8 cm long. Its perpendicular bisector is drawn. How far is A from the point where the bisector crosses AB?

    • 4 cm
    • 2 cm
    • 16 cm
    • 8 cm

  17. A point is 3 cm from a line. A circle with centre at the point and radius 3 cm is drawn. How many points does the circle touch the line at?

    • Two points
    • No points
    • One point
    • Three points

  18. Which property does a perpendicular bisector have?

    • It is always 5 cm long, no matter how long the segment is
    • It is always horizontal, whatever the direction of the segment
    • It meets the segment at right angles at its midpoint
    • It always passes through point A only, not through the midpoint

  19. A compass is used to draw a circle of radius 4 cm. What is its diameter?

    • 8 cm
    • 4 cm
    • 2 cm
    • 16 cm

  20. What does the bisector of an angle divide the angle into?

    • A reflex angle and an acute angle
    • Two equal angles
    • Two unequal angles
    • Two right angles

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