Line Definition
In Mathematics, a line is a 1D figure that doesn’t have any endpoint. It is formed by joining multiple points extended in opposite directions. All points that are being joined to form a line must be collinear.
Note:
Read about Collinear Points here.
Lines have great importance in one of the most studied and important fields of Mathematics i.e. Geometry. It is used to form multiple geometrical shapes like a triangle, a rectangle, and a square.
Table of Contents
A small part of any line is termed a line segment. It is a particular section of the line that has endpoints. In simple words, we can draw multiple line segments from a single line.
Note:
You can read about a line segment here in detail.
Types of lines
Depending on the direction, a line has multiple types. Here we have listed some of the most common types of lines.
Horizontal lines
A line that extends in the horizontal direction or is parallel to the x-axis will be called a horizontal line.
Note:
Read about the Horizontal line here.
Vertical lines
All those lines that extend from top to bottom or are parallel to the y-axis will be termed vertical lines.
Note:
Read about Vertical lines here.
Perpendicular lines
If two lines meet or intersect each other at an angle of 90 degrees, they will be called perpendicular lines.
Note:
Read about Perpendicular lines here.
Parallel lines
Two or more lines that keep extending side by side and never touch each other are called parallel lines. These lines never meet and make an angle of 0 degrees with each other.
Note:
Read about Parallel lines here.
Fun Facts about a Line
- A line has no endpoints.
- A line is formed by joining multiple points extended in opposite directions.
- All geometrical shapes (except circles) are made by joining lines.
- The simplest figure formed by joining lines in Geometry is Triangle (Three Lines).
FAQ's
Are line and line segments the same?
No line segment is a particular section of the whole line. We can say that line is a complete figure while a line segment is a particular part of that figure.
Does a line have thickness?
No, a line has no thickness that’s why it is called a 1D figure.
Does a line have endpoints?
No, a line has no endpoints but it keeps extending in opposite directions.
What is the major difference between a line and a line segment?
A line is a whole figure while a line segment is a particular section of that figure.
Can we draw a line with an endpoint?
Yes, we can draw a line with an endpoint but it will not be termed a line. Such a line will be termed a Ray instead of a line or a line segment.
