Construction 13 Given two segments, construct a segment whose length is the geometric mean between the lengths of
the given segments.
Given: segments whose lengths are a and b
5
To construct: a segment whose length x is the mean proportional between a and b
Steps:
X
K
On a work line construct RS, whose length is (a + b). Find the
midpoint M of RS. With M as center and
radius MR, construct a semicircle. At point
T, where a and b intersect, construct a
perpendicular that intersects the semicircle
at K. TK is the desired segment whose length
is the geometric mean between a and b.
S