Line Segment, Ray and Line – Definition, Properties, Examples

Are you confused about the line segment, line, and ray? This article helps you by giving plenty of information. This will have the definitions of the Line segment, Line, and Ray, Differences between a line, a line segment, ray. By knowing these elements we can understand the basic elements of geometry.

What is a Line Segment?

A line segment is a part of a line having two endpoints.  The measurement of a line segment is called its length.  In contrast to the line, a line segment has a fixed length and can be measured easily. A line segment with two endpoints A and B are represented as AB. We can form any shape by using the different number of line segments. Figures such as a triangle, polygon, hexagon, square are made of different numbers of line segments.

What is a Ray?

Ray is the special kind of a line. It is a union of a line and a line segment. Its one end is fixed and the other end can be extended to infinity. The length of the ray cannot be measured as it’s one end is non-terminating. A ray is represented by AB  where the fixed end is represented by an endpoint and the infinitely extending part by an arrow. The name of the ray should be specified in capital letters. The first letter represents the fixed point and the other letter represents the nonterminating end.

What is a Line?

A line is made of two points that can be extended in both directions infinitely. It is determined by two points in a two-dimensional plane. The two points which lie on the same line are said to be collinear points.

Lines are divided into different types such as horizontal and vertical lines, parallel and perpendicular lines. By using these lines we can make the different types of polygons. For example, Four lines of the same lengths are used to form a square, whereas by joining three lines from end to end a triangle is formed.

Properties of Line Segment

• The line segment has two endpoints. It means its ends are fixed.
• The length of the line segment is fixed as it has a set of endpoints. So the length can be measured.
• The symbol of the line segment is represented by ⎯ .
• The line segment is a part of the line with a set of endpoints.

Properties of Ray

• Ray has one fixed point and another can be extended to infinite.
• The length of the ray can not be determined as the other end is infinite. So the length can not be determined.
• The symbol of the ray is represented by → .
• Ray is a combination of line and a line segment.

Properties of Line

A line is made up of two points that can be extended in both directions infinitely.

The length of the line can not be determined as both ends are infinite. So the length can not be determined.

The symbol of the ray is represented by   .

FAQs on Line, Ray, and Line Segment

1. What is the difference between Line and Ray?

The line is made up of two points that can be extended in both directions infinitely.

Ray is a combination of line and a line segment. Its starting point is fixed and the other is infinite.

2. Can we find the Length of the Ray and Line?

• Ray’s starting point is fixed and the other is infinite. So we can not measure the length of the ray.
• The line is made up of a set of points and can extend to infinity in both directions. So the length of the line can not be measured.

3. Can we find the Length of the Line Segment?

The line segment has two endpoints. It means its ends are fixed. So we can easily measure the length of the line segment.

4. What is the Line Segment?

A line segment is a part of the line. It is made up of two endpoints.

5. What is the Symbol of a Line?

The symbol of a line is

6. What is the Symbol of the Line Segment?

The symbol of the line segment is ⎯

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