Difference Between Line And Line Segment
Wherever there are shapes, we can see lines. Every shape defined in a two-dimensional plane is made up of lines. A line is the basic concept of geometry that extends infinitely in both directions. Lines are straight without bends. They have no thickness or breadth and thus are uni-dimensional. It is essential for us to identify the lines in the geometric shapes we come across and differentiate between the lines, the line segments, and the rays.
| 1. | Definition of Line and Line Segment |
| 2. | Differences between Line and Line Segment |
| 3. | Solved Examples |
| 4. | Practice Questions |
| 5. | FAQs |
Definition of Line and Line Segment
A line is a collection of infinite points that extends on both sides infinitely on a plane. The lines can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, oblique, or curves. Two lines can be parallel or perpendicular. The lines may be thick or thin. Curved lines also change directions.
A line segment is a collection of finite points which has a definite length. It has a start point and an endpoint. It is the shortest distance between two points that can be measured. We can measure its length using a ruler or an inch scale. A line segment is a part of a line. Below is a line segment AB.
Any 2-d shape is made up of line segments. Here are a few polygons. We can observe that a triangle is made up of 3 line segments, a pentagon is made up of 5 line segments and the quadrilaterals are made up of 4 line segments. The polygons are named after the number of sides they are made of. The sides are made of line segments.
Differences between Line and Line Segment
Let us clearly contrast the differences between the line and the line segment. Knowing them will help us differentiate them and thereby help us identify them in the plane shapes.
| Line | Line Segment |
|---|---|
| It is a collection of points that infinitely extends in both directions. | It is the shortest distance between two points. |
| Lines don't have a start point or an endpoint. | Line segments have a starting point and an endpoint. |
| Lines are long, continuous, and boundless. | Line segments are short, and a portion of the line. |
| Line AB is denoted as \(\overleftrightarrow{\rm AB}\). | Line segment AB is denoted by \(\overline{\rm AB}\) |
| A line cannot be measured or drawn as it endlessly extends in both directions and has an indefinite length. | A line segment can be visually drawn and measured as it has a definite length. |
Related Topics
Important Notes
- A line is a uni-dimensional shape that extends in both directions infinitely.
- A line segment is a part of the line and it is the shortest distance between the two points that can be measured.
Solved Examples on Differences Between Line and Line Segment
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Example 1: Identify the line segments and name them.
Solution: We know that a line segment has two end points. Since it is the shortest distance between these endpoints, it is easy to name the line segments by their endpoints. Thus,
a) AB and CD
b) PQ, PR, RQ, and RS
c) DE and EF -
Example 2: Classify each of the following into lines and line segments.
Solution: As we know that a line stretches endlessly and a line segment has endpoints, we can easily classify them. Thus,
Line: AB
Line Segments: ST, XY, and XY, YZ, XZ(sides of triangle XYZ)
FAQs on Difference Between Line And Line Segment
What Is a Ray, a Line, and a Line Segment?
A ray has a starting point and stretches endlessly. A line has no endpoints and stretches endlessly in both directions. A line segment is the shortest distance between two points.
What Are the Three Real-World Examples of Line Segments?
The edges of the book or a table, a pencil, railings, window blinds, hands of a clock and so on.
How Is a Line Segment Measured?
A line segment is measured using a ruler in customary units like centimeters or meters or inches or feet or yards.
How Many Line Segments Make a Square?
Four line segments make up a square. The meeting point of the line segments is called a vertex or a corner. Thus, a square has 4 sides and 4 corners made up of 4 line segments.
How Is a Line Different From a Line Segment?
A line has no endpoints. It stretches infinitely in both directions, whereas a line segment has a start point and an endpoint.