Prove that through a given point, we can draw only one perpendicular to a given line.
[Hint: Use proof by contradiction]
Let us draw a line m. Let A be a point.
Let us draw two intersecting lines l and p through the point A, such that they are perpendicular to the line m at points P and Q.
⇒ ∠P = 90°, and ∠Q = 90° - - - - (i)
We have to prove that through a given point, we can draw only one perpendicular to a given line.
⇒ To prove that ∠A = 0°
Now, we can see in ΔPAQ,
∠P + ∠A + ∠Q = 180° (Since the sum of the angles of a triangle is equal to 180°)
⇒ ∠A + 90° + 90° = 180° [From equation (i)]
⇒ ∠A + 180° = 180°
⇒ ∠A = 0°
This means that ∠A doesn’t exist, i.e., the lines l and p coincide with each other.
Therefore, it is true that through a given point, we can draw only one perpendicular to a given line.