9 Constructions

BASIC CONCEPTS – A FLOW CHART

230 Xam idea Mathematics–X

Multiple Choice Questions [1 mark]
Choose and write the correct option in the following questions.

1. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio m : n (m, n are positive integers), draw a ray AX, so
that ∠BAX is an acute angle and then mark points on ray AX at equal distances such that the
minimum number of these points is
(a) mn (b) m + n – 1 (c) m + n (d) reater of m and n
2. To draw a pair of tangents to a circle which are inclined to each other at an angle of 30°, it
is required to draw tangents at end points of those two radii of the circle, the angle between
which should be
(a) 60° (b) 90° (c) 120° (d) 150°
3. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio 5 : 7, first a ray AX is drawn so that ∠BAX is an acute
angle and then at equal distances points are marked on the ray AX such that the minimum
number of these points is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 8 (b) 10 (c) 11 (d) 12

4. The construction of triangle is not possible when the three sides of triangle are
(a) 6 cm, 7 cm, 8 cm (b) 8 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm
(c) 4 cm, 4 cm, 4 cm (d) None of these

5. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio 4:7, a ray AX is drawn first such that ∠BAX is an acute
angle and then points A1, A2, A3,.. are located at equal distances on ray AX and the point B is
joined to [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) A12 (b) A11 (c) A10 (d) A9

6. To draw a pair of tangents to a circle which are inclined to each other at an angle of 60°, it is
required to draw tangents at end points of those two radii of the circle, the angle between them
should be [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 135° (b) 90° (c) 60° (d) 120°

7. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio 5:6, draw a ray AX such that ∠BAX is an acute angle,
then draw a ray BY parallel to AX and the points A1, A2, A3, ... and B1, B2, B3, ... are located at
equal distances on ray AX and BY, respectively. Then the point joined are [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) A5 and B6 (b) A6 and B5 (c) A4 and B5 (d) A5 and B4
3
8. To construct a triangle similar to a given ∆ABC, with its sides of the corresponding sides of
7
∆ABC, first draw a ray BX such that ∠CBX is an acute angle and X lies on the opposite side of
A with respect to BC. Then locate points B1, B2, B3, ... on BX at equal distances and next step
is to join
(a) B10 to C (b) B3 to C (c) B7 to C (d) B4 to C

Answers
1. (c) 2. (d) 3. (d) 4. (b) 5. (b) 6. (d)
7. (a) 8. (c)

Constructions 231
Fill in the Blanks [1 mark]
Complete the following statements with appropriate word(s) in the blank space(s).
1. Two points on a line segment are marked such that the three parts they make are equal then we
say that the two points _________________ the line segment.
2. Two circles are drawn with same centre then the _________________ circle have bigger radius.
3. Only two _________________ can be drawn to a circle from an external point.
4. A curve made by moving one point at a fixed distance from another is called ________________.
8
5. To construct a triangle similar to a given ∆ABC, with its sides of the corresponding sides of
5
∆ABC, we draw a ray BX, on opposite sides of A, such that ∠CBX is an acute angle, the minimum
number of points to be located at equal distances on ray BX is ________________.
6. To divide a line segment in the ratio 2 : 3, it is divided into ________________ parts.

Answers
1. trisect 2. outer 3. tangents 4. circle 5. 8 6. 5

Very Short Answer Questions [1 mark]

1. Is construction of a triangle with sides 8 cm, 4 cm, 4 cm possible?
Sol. No, we know that in a triangle sum of any two sides of a triangle is greater than the third side.
Here the condition is not satisfied.
2. To divide the line segment AB in the ratio 3:7, draw a ray AX such that ∠BAX is an acute angle,
then draw a ray BY parallel to AX and the point A1, A2, A3... and B1, B2, B3... are located at equal
distances on ray AX and BY respectively. Then which points should be joined?
Sol. A3 and B7.
3. To draw a pair of tangents to a circle which are inclined to
each other at an angle of 80°, it is required to draw tangents
at end points of those two radii of the circle. What should
be the angle between them?
Sol. 100° P
4. In Fig. 9.1 by what ratio does P divide AB internally?

Sol. From Fig. 9.1, it is clear that there are 3 points at equal
distances on AX and 4 points at equal distances on BY. Here
P divides AB on joining A3 B4. So P divides AB internally by
3:4
Fig. 9.1

5. Given a triangle with side AB = 8 cm. To get a line segment

3
AB' = of AB, in what ratio will line segment AB be divided?
4
Sol. Given AB = 8 cm
3 3
AB' = of AB = × 8 = 6 cm.
4 4

BB' = AB – AB' = 8 – 6 = 2 cm.
⇒ AB' : BB' = 6 : 2 = 3 : 1

Hence the required ratio is 3 : 1.

Fig. 9.2

232 Xam idea Mathematics–X

Short Answer Questions-I and II [2, 3 marks]
1. Construct a triangle of sides 4 cm, 5 cm and 6 cm and then a triangle similar to it whose sides
2
are of the corresponding sides of the first triangle. [NCERT]
3
OR
Draw a triangle with sides 4 cm, 5 cm and 6 cm. Then construct another triangle whose sides
2
are of the corresponding sides of first triangle. [CBSE Delhi (C) 2017]
3
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Draw a line segment BC = 6 cm.
Step II: Draw an arc with B as centre and radius equal to 5 cm.
Step III: Draw an arc, with C as centre and radius equal to 4 cm
intersecting the previous drawn arc at A.
Step IV: Join AB and AC, then DABC is the required triangle.
Step V: Below BC make an acute angle CBX
Step VI: Along BX mark off three points at equal distance: B1, B2, B3,
such that BB1 = B1 B2 = B2 B3.
Step VII: Join B3C. Fig. 9.3

Step VIII: From B2, draw B2D ||B3C, meeting BC at D.

Step IX: From D draw ED || AC meeting BA at E. Then we have DEDB which is the required
triangle.

Justification:
Since DE ||CA
EB BD DE 2
\
DABC ~ DEBD and = = =
AB BC CA 3
2
Hence, we have the new DEBD similar to the given DABC, whose sides are equal to rd of the
3
corresponding sides of DABC.
2. Draw a line segment of length 7.6 cm and divide it in the ratio 5 : 8. Measure the two parts.
[NCERT]
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Draw a line segment AB = 7.6 cm.
Step II: Draw any ray AX making an acute angle ∠BAX with AB.
Step III: On ray AX starting from A, mark 5 + 8 = 13 equal arcs. AA1, A1A2, A2A3, A3A4, ...
A11A12, and A12A13.
Step IV: Join A13B.
Step V: From A5, draw A5P || A13B, meeting AB at P.
Thus, P divides AB in the ratio 5 : 8. On measuring the two
parts, we find AP = 2.9 cm and PB = 4.7 cm (approx).
Justification:
In DABA13, PA5 ||BA13
\
By Basic Proportionality Theorem
AP AA5 5 Fig. 9.4
= =
PB A5 A13 8
AP 5
⇒
= ⇒ AP : PB = 5:8
PB 8

Constructions 233
 3. Construct an isosceles triangle whose base is 8 cm and altitude 4 cm and then draw another
1
triangle whose sides are 1 times the corresponding sides of the isosceles triangle.
2
 [NCERT, CBSE Delhi 2017]
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Draw BC = 8 cm.
Step II: Construct XY, the perpendicular bisector of line
segment BC, meeting BC at M.
Step III: Along MP, cut-off MA = 4 cm.
Step IV: Join BA and CA. Then DABC so obtained is the required
DABC.
 3 
Step V: Extend BC to D, such that BD = 12 cm  = × 8 cm  .
 2  Fig. 9.5
Step VI: Draw DE  CA meeting BA produced at E. Then DEBD is the required triangle.
Justification:
Since, DE  CA
EB DE BD 12 3
\
DABC ~ DEBD and = = = =
AB CA BC 8 2 1 3
Hence, we have the new triangle similar to the given triangle whose sides are 1 i.e, times the
2 2
corresponding sides of the isosceles DABC.
4. Draw a triangle ABC with side BC = 6 cm, AB = 5 cm and ∠ABC = 60°. Then construct a
3
triangle whose sides are th of the corresponding sides of the triangle ABC.
4
[NCERT, CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Construct a DABC in which BC = 6 cm and, AB = 5 cm and
∠ABC = 60°.
Step II: Below BC make an acute ∠CBX.
Step III: Along BX mark off four arcs: B1, B2, B3 and B4 such that

BB1 = B1B2 = B2B3 = B3B4.
Step IV: Join B4C.
Step V: From B3, draw B3D  B4C, meeting BC at D.
Step VI: From D, draw ED  AC, meeting BA at E.
Fig. 9.6
3
Now, we have DEBD which is the required triangle whose sides are th
of the corresponding sides of DABC. 4

Justification:
Here, DE  CA
\ DABC ~ DEBD

EB BD DE 3
and = = =
AB BC CA 4 3
Hence, we get the new triangle similar to the given triangle whose sides are equal to th of the
4
corresponding sides of DABC.

234 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 5. Draw a circle of radius 6 cm. From a point 10 cm away from its centre, construct the pair of
tangents to the circle and measure their lengths. [NCERT]
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Take a point O and with O as centre draw a circle of radius 6 cm.
Step II: Take a point P at a distance of 10 cm from the centre O.
Step III: Join OP and bisect it. Let M be the mid-point.
Step IV: With M as centre and MP as radius, draw a circle to
intersect the previous circle at Q and R.
Step V: Join PQ and PR. Then, PQ and PR are the required
tangents. On measuring, we find, PQ = PR = 8 cm.
Justification: Fig. 9.7
On joining OQ, we find that ∠PQO = 90°, as ∠PQO is the angle in the semicircle.
\ PQ ⊥ OQ

Since OQ is the radius of the given circle, so PQ has to be a tangent to the circle. Similarly, PR is
also a tangent to the circle.
6. Construct a tangent to a circle of radius 4 cm from a point on the concentric circle of radius
6 cm and measure its length. Also, verify the measurement by actual calculation.
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Take a point O and draw a circle of radius OA = 4 cm. Also, draw a concentric circle of
radius OB = 6 cm
Step II: Find the mid-point C of OB and draw a circle of radius
OC = BC. Suppose this circle intersects the circle of
radius 4 cm at P and Q.
Step III: Join BP and BQ to get the desired tangents from a
point B on the circle of radius 6 cm.
By actual measurement, we find BP = BQ = 4.5 cm.
Justification:
In DBPO, we have
∠BPO = 90°, OB = 6 cm and OP = 4 cm

Fig. 9.8
\
OB2 = BP2 + OP2 [Using Pythagoras theorem]

⇒
BP = OB2 − OP 2 ⇒ BP = 36 − 16 = 20 cm = 4.47 cm

Similarly, BQ = 4.47 cm
7. Draw a line segment AB of length 8 cm. Taking A as centre, draw a circle of radius 4 cm and
taking B as centre, draw another circle of radius 3 cm. Construct tangents to each circle from
the centre of the other circle. [CBSE (F) 2017]
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Draw a line segment AB = 8 cm.
Step II: With A as centre, draw a circle of radius 4 cm
and let it intersect the line segment AB in M.
Step III: With B as centre, draw a circle of radius 3 cm.
Step IV: With M as centre, draw a circle of radius AM
and let it intersect the given two circles in P, Q
and R, S.
Step V: Join AP, AQ, BR and BS.
These are the required tangents.
Fig. 9.9
Constructions 235
 Justification:
On joining BP, we have ∠BPA = 90°, as ∠BPA is the angle in the semicircle.
\
AP ⊥ PB.
Since BP is the radius of given circle, so AP has to be a tangent to the circle.
Similarly, AQ, BR and BS are also the tangents to the given circles.
8. Construct an isosceles triangle whose base is 8 cm and altitude 4 cm and then draw another
3
triangle whose sides are times the corresponding sides of the isosceles triangle.
4
 [CBSE 2019 (30/5/1)]
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Draw base BC = 8 cm.
Step II: Draw perpendicular bisector of BC.
Step III: Let perpendicular bisector intersect BC at D.
Step IV: Taking D as centre and 4 cm as radius, draw an arc
intersecting perpendicular bisector at A.
Step V: Join AB and AC. Then ∆ABC is an isosceles triangle.
Now,
Step VI: Draw any ray BX making an acute angle with BC on the
side opposite to the vertex A. Fig. 9.10
Step VII: Mark four points B1, B2, B3, B4 on BX such that BB1 = B1B2
= B2B3 = B3B4.
Step VIII: Join B4C and draw a line through B3 parallel to B4C which intersect BC at C'.
Step IX: Draw a line through C' parallel to CA to intersect AB at A'
Thus, A' BC' is the required triangle.

Long Answer Questions [5 marks]

1. Draw a circle of radius of 3 cm. Take two points P and Q on one of its diameters extended
on both sides, each at a distance of 7 cm on opposite sides of its centre. Draw tangents to the
circle from these two points P and Q. [CBSE (F) 2017]
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Taking a point O as centre, draw a circle of radius 3 cm.
Step II: Take two points P and Q on one of its extended diameter such that OP = OQ = 7 cm.
Step III: Bisect OP and OQ and let M1 and M2 be the mid-points of OP and OQ respectively.
Step IV: Draw a circle with M1 as centre and M1 P as radius to intersect the circle at T1 and T2.
Step V: Join PT1 and PT2.

Fig. 9.11

236 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 Then, PT1 and PT2 are the required tangents. Similarly, the tangents QT3 and QT4 can be
obtained.
Justification:
On joining OT1, we find ∠PT1O = 90°, as it is an angle in the semicircle.
PT1 ⊥ OT1
Since OT1 is a radius of the given circle, so PT1 has to be a tangent to the circle.
Similarly, PT2, QT3 and QT4 are also tangents to the circle.
2. Let ABC be a right triangle in which AB = 6 cm, BC = 8 cm and ∠B = 90°. BD is the
perpendicular from B on AC. The circle through B, C, D is drawn. Construct the tangents from
A to this circle. [CBSE Delhi 2014]
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Draw DABC and perpendicular BD from B on AC.
Step II: Draw a circle with BC as a diameter. This circle will pass
through D.
Step III: Let O be the mid-point of BC. Join AO.
Step IV: Draw a circle with AO as diameter. This circle cuts the circle
drawn in step II at B and E.
Step V: Join AE. AE and AB are desired tangents drawn from A to the Fig. 9.12
circle passing through B, C and D.
3. Construct a right triangle in which sides (other than the hypotenuse) are 8 cm and 6cm.
3
Then construct another triangle whose sides are times the corresponding sides of the right
5
triangle. [CBSE 2019 (30/5/2)]
Sol. Steps of Construction: Y
Step I: Draw the base, BC = 8 cm. A

Step II: At point B draw an ∠YBC = 90°. 6 cm

Step III: Taking B as centre and radius 6 cm draw an arc A'
intersecting BY at A.
Step IV: Join AC.
Thus, ∆ABC is constructed (obtained)
3 90° C'
Now, we construct another triangle whose sides are B 8 cm C
5
times of the sides of ∆ABC. B1
B2
Steps of Construction: B3
B4
(i) Draw a line BX making acute angle with BC.
B5
(ii) Take 5 points on BX such that
X
BB1 = B1B2 = B2B3 = B3B4 = B4B5 Fig. 9.13
(iii) Join B5C.
(iv) Draw a line through B3 parallel to B5C which cuts BC at C′ i.e., B5C  B3C′.
(v) Draw a line through C' parallel to AC which cuts AB at A'.
Thus, DA′BC′ is the required triangle.
4. Draw a triangle ABC in which AB = 4 cm, BC = 6 cm and AC = 9 cm. Construct a triangle
3
similar to DABC with scale factor . Justify the construction. Are the two triangles congruent?
2
Note that all the three angles and two sides of the two triangles are equal. [NCERT Exemplar]

Constructions 237
 Sol. Steps of Construction
Step I: Draw a line segment BC = 6 cm.
Step II: With centre B and radius 4 cm draw an arc.
Step III: With centre C and radius 9 cm draw another arc which intersects the previous arc at A.
Step IV: Join BA and CA. ABC is the required triangle.
Step V: Through B, draw an acute angle CBX on the side opposite to vertex A.
Step VI: Locate three arcs B1, B2 and B3 on BX such that BB1 = B1B2 = B2B3.
Step VII: Join B2C.
Step VIII: Draw B3C' || B2C intersecting the extended line segment BC at C'.
Step IX: Draw C'A' || CA intersecting the extended line segment BA at A'.

Fig. 9.14

Thus, DA'BC' is the required triangle (DA'BC' ~ DABC).

The two triangles are not congruent because, if two triangles are congruent, then they have
same shape and size. Here, all three angles are equal but all three sides are not equal.
Justification:

 B2C || B3C'

BC 2
=
CC ' 1
BC ' BC + CC ' CC ' 1 3
Now, = =1 + =1 + =
BC BC BC 2 2

Again, CC' || AC

DABC ~ DA'BC'
A'B BC' A'C' 3
\
= = =
AB BC AC 2

238 Xam idea Mathematics–X

HOTS [Higher Order Thinking Skills]
1. Draw a circle with the help of a bangle. Take a point outside the circle. Construct the pair of
tangents from this point to the circle. [NCERT]
Sol. Steps of Construction:

Step I: Draw a circle with the help of a bangle.

Step II: Let P be the external point from where the tangents are
to be drawn to the given circle. Through P, draw a secant
PAB to intersect the circle at A and B (say).

Step III: Produce AP to a point C, such that AP = PC, i.e., P, is the

mid-point of AC.
Fig. 9.15
Step IV: Draw a semicircle with BC as diameter.

Step V: Draw PD ⊥ CB, intersecting the semicircle at D.

Step VI: With P as centre and PD as radius, draw arcs to intersect the given circle at T and T1.

Step VII: Join PT and PT1. Then, PT and PT1 are the required tangents.
2. Draw a DABC with side BC = 7 cm, ∠B = 45°, ∠A = 105°. Then, construct a triangle whose
3
sides are times the corresponding sides of DABC. [CBSE Delhi 2017, (AI) 2017]
4
OR
Construct a triangle ABC with side BC = 6 cm, ∠B = 45°, ∠A = 105°. Then construct another
3
triangle whose sides are times the corresponding sides of the DABC. [CBSE 2019 (30/1/2)]
4
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Construct a DABC in which BC = 7 cm,
∠B = 45°, ∠C = 180° – (∠A + ∠B)

= 180° – (105° + 45°) = 180° – 150° = 30°.
Step II: Below BC, make an acute angle ∠CBX.
Step III: Along BX, mark off four arcs: B1, B2, B3 and B4 such that

BB1 = B1B2 = B2B3 =B3B4.
Step IV: Join B4C Fig. 9.16
Step V: From B3, draw B3D || B4C meeting BC at D.

Step VI: From D, draw ED || AC, meeting BA at E. Then EBD is the required triangle whose
3
sides are times the corresponding sides of DABC.
4
Justification:
a DE || CA
EB BD DE 3
\ DABC ~ DEBD and = = =
AB BC CA 4
3
Hence, we have the new triangle similar to the given triangle whose sides are equal to times
4
the corresponding sides of DABC.
OR
Similar solution as above, only length of BC change from 7 cm to 6 cm.

Constructions 239
 3. Draw a pair of tangents to a circle of radius 4 cm which are inclined to each other at an angle
of 60°.
OR
Draw a circle of radius 4 cm. Construct a pair of tangents to it, the angle between which is 60°.
Also justify the construction. Measure the distance between the centre of the circle and the
point of intersection of tangents.  [NCERT Exemplar, CBSE (AI) 2016]
Sol. Steps of Construction:
Step I: Draw a circle with centre O and radius 4 cm.
Step II: Draw any diameter AOB.
Step III: Draw a radius OC such that ∠BOC = 60°.
Step IV: At C, we draw CM ⊥ OC and at A, we draw AN ⊥ OA.
Step V: Let the two perpendiculars intersect each other at P.
Then, PA and PC are required tangents.
Justification:
Since OA is the radius, so PA has to be a tangent to the circle.
Similarly, PC is also tangent to the circle.
∠APC = 360° – (∠OAP + ∠OCP + ∠AOC) Fig. 9.17
= 360° – (90° + 90° + 120°) = 360° – 300° = 60°
Hence, tangents PA and PC are inclined to each other at an angle of 60°.

PROFICIENCY EXERCISE
QQ Objective Type Questions: [1 mark each]
1. Choose and write the correct option in each of the following questions.
(i) To divide a line segment AB in the ratio 5 : 7, first a ray PX is drawn so that ∠QPX is an
acute angle, then at equal distances points are marked on ray PX, such that minimum
number of these points is
(a) 5 (b) 7 (c) 12 (d) 10

(ii) To divide a line segment AB in the ratio 4 : 7 a ray AX is drawn first such that ∠BAX is an
acute angle and then points A1, A2, A3 .... are located at equal distances on ray AX, and point
B is joined to
(a) A4 (b) A11 (c) A10 (d) A7

(iii) To draw a pair of tangents to a circle which are inclined to each other at an angle of 35°, it
is required to draw tangents at the end points of those two radii of circle, the angle between
which is
(a) 145° (b) 135° (c) 120° (d) 110°

(iv) When a line segment is divided in the ratio 2 : 3, how many parts is it divided into?
2
(a) (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5
3
2
(v) To construct a triangle similar to a given ∆ABC, with its sides of the corresponding sides
5
of ∆ABC, first draw an acute angle CBX below BC, then after locating points A1, A2 ..... on
BX at equal distances, next step is to join
(a) A7 to C (b) A5 to C (c) A2 to C (d) A4 to C

240 Xam idea Mathematics–X

QQ Very Short Answer Questions: [1 mark each]

2. To divide a line segment AB in the ratio a : b (a, b are positive integers), a ray AX is drawn so that
∠BAX is an acute angle and points on ray AX are marked at equal distances. What should be the
minimum number of these points?
3. In order to divide a line segment PQ in the ratio 3 : 7, a ray PX is drawn such that ∠QPX is an
acute angle and then points P1, P2, ... are located at equal distances on the ray PX. With which
point is the point Q joined?
3
4. To construct a triangle similar to given DABC with its sidesof the corresponding sides of DABC,
5
we draw a ray BX such that ∠CBX is an acute angle and X is on the opposite side of A with respect
to BC. Then we locate points B1, B2, ... on BX at equal distances. What will be the next step?
7
5. To construct a triangle similar to a given DABC with its sides of the corresponding sides of
5
DABC, we draw a ray BX such that ∠CBX is an acute angle and X is on the opposite side of A with
respect to BC. Then we locate points B1, B2, ... on BX at equal distances. What will be the next step?
9
6. To construct a triangle similar to a given DPQR with its sides
of the corresponding sides of
4
DPQR, we draw a ray QX such that ∠RQX is an acute angle and X is on the opposite side of P
with respect to QR. What will be the minimum number of points to be located at equal distances
on ray QX?
7. To draw a pair of tangents to a circle which are inclined to each other at an angle of 80°, it is
required to draw tangents at end points of those two radii of the circle. What will be the angle
between the two radii?
QQ Short Answer Questions–I and II: [2 and 3 marks each]
8. Construct a right triangle ABC in which AC = 13 cm, AB = 5 cm and ∠B = 90°. Construct a
3
triangle similar to it and of scale factor . Is the new triangle also a right triangle?
4
9. Draw a line segment of length 6.5 cm. Find a point P on it which divides it in the ratio 3 : 2.
10. Draw a line segment of length 8 cm and divide it internally in the ratio 4:5. [CBSE Delhi 2017]
11. Draw a line segment of length 7 cm and divide it internally in the ratio 2 : 3. [CBSE Delhi 2017]

12. Draw a right triangle in which the sides (other than hypotenuse) are of lengths 5cm and 4 cm.
5
Then, construct another triangle whose sides are times the corresponding sides of the given
3
triangle.
13. Construct a triangle ABC in which BC = 8 cm, ∠B = 60° and ∠C = 45°. Then, construct another
3
triangle whose sides are of the corresponding sides of DABC.
4
14. Draw a circle of radius 7 cm. From a point 12 cm away from its centre, construct the pair of
tangents to the circle and measure their lengths.
15. Construct a tangent to a circle of radius 5 cm from a point which is at a distance of 6.2 cm from
its centre.

Constructions 241
QQ Long Answer Questions: [5 marks each]

16. Draw a triangle ABC with BC = 6 cm, AB = 5 cm and ∠ABC = 60°. Then construct a triangle
3
whose sides are of the corresponding sides of the ∆ ABC. [CBSE 2018 (30/1)]
4
17. Construct a ∆ ABC in which CA = 6 cm, AB = 5 cm and ∠BAC = 45°. Then construct a triangle
3
whose sides are of the corresponding sides of ∆ABC. [CBSE 2019 (30/1/1)]
5
18. Construct an equilateral ∆ ABC with each side 5 cm. Then construct another triangle whose sides
2
are times the corresponding sides of ∆ABC. [CBSE 2019 (30/2/1)]
3
19. Draw two concentric circles of radii 2 cm and 5 cm. Take a point P on the outer circle and
construct a pair of tangents PA and PB to the smaller circle. Measure PA. [CBSE 2019 (30/2/1)]

20. Construct a triangle ABC with side BC = 6 cm, AB = 5 cm and ∠ABC = 60°. Then construct
3
another triangle whose sides are of the corresponding sides of triangle ∆ABC.
4
[CBSE 2019 (30/3/1)]

21. Construct a triangle, the lengths of whose sides are 5 cm, 6 cm and 7 cm. Now construct another
5
triangle whose sides are times the corresponding sides of the first triangle.
7
[CBSE 2019 (30/3/3)]

22. Construct a triangle with sides 5 cm, 6 cm and 7 cm and then another triangle whose sides are
3
of the corresponding sides of the first triangle. [CBSE 2019 (30/4/2)]
5
23. Draw a circle of radius 4 cm. From a point 6 cm away from its centre, construct a pair of tangents
to the circle and measure their lengths. [CBSE 2019 (30/4/3)]

24. Construct a pair of tangents to a circle of radius 4 cm which are inclined to each other at an angle
of 60°. [CBSE 2019 (30/5/3)]

25. Draw a circle of radius 3 cm. Take a point A on its extended diameter at a distance of 7 cm from
its centre. Draw two tangents to the circle from A. [CBSE 2019 (C) (30/1/1)]

26. Construct tangents to a circle of radius 4 cm from a point on the concentric circle of radius
7 cm. [CBSE 2019 (30/1/2)]

27. Draw a triangle ABC in which AB = 6 cm, BC = 5.8 cm and ∠ABC = 75°. Construct a triangle
7
similar to DABC with scale factor . Justify the construction.
5
28. Draw an isosceles triangle ABC in which AB = AC = 6 cm and BC = 5 cm. Construct a triangle
PQR similar to DABC in which PQ = 8 cm. Also, justify the construction. [NCERT Exemplar]

29. Draw a parallelogram ABCD in which BC = 5 cm, AB = 3 cm and ∠ABC = 60°, divide it into
triangles BCD and ABD by the diagonal BD. Construct the triangle BD' C' similar to DBDC with
4
scale factor . Draw the line segment ∠D'A' parallel to DA where A' lies on extended side BA. Is
3
∠A'BC'D a parallelogram? [NCERT Exemplar]

242 Xam idea Mathematics–X

 30. Draw a circle of radius 4 cm. Take two points P and Q on one of its extended diameter each at a
distance of 8 cm from its centre. Draw tangents to the circle from these two points P and Q.

31. Draw a circle with the help of any circular object. Take a point outside the circle and construct
the pair of tangents from this point to the circle.

32. Given a rhombus ABCD in which AB = 4 cm and ∠ABC = 60°, divide it into two triangles say,
2
DABC and DADC. Construct the triangle AB'C' similar to DABC with scale factor . Draw a line
3
segment C'D' parallel to CD where D' lies on AD. Is AB'C'D' a rhombus? Give reasons.

33. Draw a line segment AB of length 7 cm. Taking A as centre, draw a circle of radius 3 cm and
taking B as centre, draw another circle of radius 2 cm. Construct tangents to each circle from the
centre of the other circle. [CBSE Delhi 2015]
34. Draw two concentric circles of radii 3 cm and 5 cm. Construct a tangent to smaller circle from a
point on the larger circle. Also measure its length. [CBSE (Delhi) 2016]
35. Draw a DABC in which AB = 4 cm, BC = 5 cm and AC = 6 cm. Then construct another triangle
3
whose sides are of the corresponding sides of DABC. [CBSE (F) 2016]
5

Answers
1. (i) (c) (ii) (b) (iii) (a) (iv) (d) (v) (b)
2. (a+b) 3. P10 4. Join B5C 5. Join B5C 6. 9
7. 100° 8. Yes 14. Do yourself 19. 4.5 cm (approx)

23. 4.5 cm approx 29. Yes

SELF-ASSESSMENT TEST
Time allowed: 1 hour Max. marks: 40

Section A
1. Choose and write the correct option in the following questions. (6 × 1 = 6)
(i) To divide a line segment AB in the ratio p:q (p. q are positive integers), draw a ray AX so
that ∠BAX is an acute angle and then mark points on ray AX at equal distances such that
the minimum number of these points is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) greater of p and q (b) p + q
(c) p + q – 1 (d) pq
(ii) To draw a pair of tangents to a circle which are inclined to each other at an angle of 35°,
it is required to draw tangents at the end points of those two radii of the circle, the angle
between them is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) 105° (b) 70° (c) 140° (d) 145°

(iii) If in the construction of triangle the ratio of side is given in improper fraction form then
the new triangle will be [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) bigger (b) smaller (c) equal (d) can’t say

Constructions 243
 3
(iv) To construct a triangle similar to a given ∆ABC with its sides of the corresponding sides
7
of ∆ABC, first draw a ray BX such that ∠CBX is an acute angle and X lies on the opposite
side of A with respect to BC. Then locate points B1, B2, B3, ... on BX at equal distances and
next step is to join [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) B10 to C (b) B3 to C (c) B7 to C (d) B4 to C

(v) To draw a pair of tangents to a circle which are inclined to each other at an angle of 40°,
it is required to draw tangents at the end points of those two radii of the circle, the angle
between which is
(a) 140° (b) 135° (c) 100° (d) 120°

(vi) If the centre of a circle is not given, it can be located by [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) finding perpendicular bisectors of parallel chords
(b) finding perpendicular bisectors of non parallel chords
(c) Either (a) or (b)
(d) None of these

2. Fill in the blanks. (4 × 1 = 4)

(i) A plane closed figure bounded by three straight lines is ________________.

(ii) Number of points common to a circle and one of its tangents is ________________.

(iii) Only ________________ tangent can be drawn from a point on the circle.

(iv) We can construct a triangle similar to a given triangle as per given ________________ which
may be less than 1 or greater than 1.

Section B
QQ Solve the following questions. (5 × 3 = 15)
3. Construct a triangle with sides 5 cm, 5.5 cm and 6.5 cm. Now construct another triangle, whose
3
sides are times the corresponding sides of the given triangle. [CB SE (AI) 2014]
5
4. Construct a triangle ABC, in which AB = 5 cm, BC = 6 cm and AC = 7 cm. Then construct
3
another triangle whose sides are times the corresponding sides of DABC. [CBSE (F) 2014]
5
5. Draw a line segment of length 7.4 cm and divide it in the ratio 4 : 7. Measure the two parts.
7
6. Construct an equilateral triangle of side 4.8 cm and then another triangle whose sides are of
4
the corresponding sides of the first triangle.

7. Draw a right triangle in which the sides (other than hypotenuse) are 8 cm and 6 cm. Then
3
construct another triangle whose sides are times the (corresponding) sides of given triangle.
4
[CBSE Delhi 2017 (C)]

244 Xam idea Mathematics–X

QQ Solve the following questions. (3 × 5 = 15)

8. Two line segments AB and AC include an angle of 60°, where AB = 5 cm and AC = 7 cm. Locate
3 1
points P and Q on AB and AC, respectively such that AP = AB and AQ = AC. Join P and
4 4
Q and measure the length PQ.  [NCERT Exemplar]
9. Draw two concentric circles of radii 3 cm and 5 cm. Taking a point on outer circle, construct
the pair of tangents to the other. Measure the length of a tangent and verify it by actual
calculation.  [NCERT Exemplar]
10. Draw a right triangle in which the sides (other than the hypotenuse) are of lengths 4 cm and
3
3 cm. Now construct another triangle whose sides are times the corresponding sides of the
5
given triangle. [CBSE Delhi 2017]

Answers
1. (i) (b) (ii) (d) (iii) (a) (iv) (c) (v) (a)
(vi) (b)
2. (i) triangle (ii) one (iii) one (iv) scale factor

5. 2.7 cm and 4.7 cm 8. 3.25 cm 9. 4 cm

zzz

Constructions 245