Methods to Draw a Line Segment

A line segment, as the name says, is a part of a line with two endpoints. It is amongst the essential elements of practical geometry, facilitating the construction of geometric shapes and figures. A line segment is a part of a straight line that connects two points.  A line segment with two endpoints, A and B, is written as AB. But how to draw a line segment? Do we use a similar tool to draw a line segment as what is used to measure it? 

A line segment is a part of a line with a beginning point and an endpoint. It has a definite length and is denoted by a bar on top which is the line segment symbol. To draw a line segment of a given length, we can follow any of the following methods:

• Drawing a Line Segment using a Ruler
• Drawing a Line Segment using Ruler and Compasses

In order to draw a line segment of the required length, the simplest and the easiest method is to use a ruler.

• Step 1: Take a scale and check for its start point, which is zero.
• Step 2: Place the scale on the sheet of paper and mark the starting point of the line segment with a dot on the paper. Mark it as A.
• Step 3: Mark the endpoint of the line segment, that is till the required length, say 6 cm. Mark it as B
• Step 4: Draw a straight line joining the two points. We will get a line segment AB of length 6 cm

Another method to draw a line segment is by using a ruler and compasses. This can be considered a more accurate method but requires more attention.

• Step 1: Draw a line of any length.
• Step 2: Mark the starting point of the line segment as point A.
• Step 3: Take a ruler and place the pointer of the compass at A, open the compass, say 6 cm apart from the pencil’s lead.

• Step 4: Mark an arc on the line with the pencil point.
• Step 5: Mark the intersection point of the arc and line as point B.

• Step 6: AB is the required line segment of length 6 cm.

Tips and Tricks

• Look straight down at the ruler while drawing the line segment, to avoid errors.
• Don't forget to check if the hinge at the top of the compass is tightened so that it may not slip.
• Tighten the hold for the pencil so that it should not slip but do not apply any pressure to the pencil otherwise the width of your circle will change.
• Ensure that you align the pencil lead with the compass's needle.

Articles Related to Methods to Draw a Line Segment

• Difference Between Line and Line Segment
• How to find the length of a line segment?

What Are the Two Different Ways of Drawing a Line Segment?

The two different ways of drawing a line segment are as follows:

• Drawing a Line Segment Using Ruler.
• Drawing a Line segment using ruler and compass.

How Many Points are Enough for a Line Segment?

A Minimum of two points is required to form a line segment - the starting point and the endpoint.

What Does a Line Segment Look Like?

A line segment contains two endpoints. The length of a line segment can be measured taking up the distance between the two endpoints. The two endpoints define the line segment.

Is Line Sement AB the same as BA?

The line segment BA is the same as the line segment AB as they pass through the same two points A and B.

How to Daw a Line Segment Using Ruler?

To draw a line segment using a ruler, all you need to do is to follow the simple steps as given below:

• Step 1: Take a scale.
• Step 2: Place the scale on the sheet of paper and mark the starting point of the line segment with a dot on the paper.
• Step 3: Mark the endpoint of the line segment. (endpoint is the maximum length of which you need the line segment)
• Step 4: Draw a straight line joining the starting point and the ending point and you'll get the line segment of the required length.

How to Draw a Line Segment Using Compass?

In order to draw a line segment using a ruler and a compass, just follow the simple steps as given below:

• Step 1: Draw a line of any length.
• Step 2: Mark the starting point of the line segment.
• Step 3: Take a ruler and place the pointer of the compass, apart from the pencil’s lead.
• Step 4: Place the pointer of the compass at the starting point and mark an arc on the line with the pencil point.
• Step 5: Mark the intersection point of the arc and line as the endpoint of the line segment.