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Line Segment - Definition, How can one measure and construct line segment, line, line segment and ray Difference
A line formed between two points is said to be a line segment. A line segment is a measurable line, unlike a regular line or an infinite ray. If two or more lines form a polygon, then those lines are also a line segment. In order to form an enclosed polygon, a minimum of three line segments is required. Can you guess the name of the polygon that has three line segments? It does form a shape resembling a slice of pizza!
How can one measure a line segment?
- To measure a line segment, place the starting point of the ruler at the first point of the line segment. The starting point of the ruler must be 0, not 1.
- Read the value on the ruler up to which the line segment goes. Make sure to read the units carefully as the scale has inches and cms both.
- Suppose the value on the ruler goes to 5.5cm on your scale. Then the value of the line segment is 5.5cms.
How can one construct a line segment?
One can construct a line segment by two methods: -
- Ruler only
One can draw a line segment using a ruler only. Place the ruler on the paper. Mark the starting point at 0 and name it as A. Then choose the other point of the length one wants, say 7cm. Mark point B at 7cm and draw a straight line. It is the required line segment of 7cms.
In this method, one has to be careful while drawing a straight line. First, make sure the line draw is straight, as minor variations can alter the lengths of the line segment. - Ruler and compass
One can draw a line segment using a compass and ruler as well. First, draw a line, say AB, of unknown length. Next, take a rule and compass. Adjust the length of the compass of the length one wants to draw the line. For example, if you want to draw a line segment of length 8cm, adjust the length of the compass on the scale from 0 to 8. Then from point A, make a mark on the line drawn previously. The arc where it cuts the line draw must be named C. Thus, the line segment AC is the required line segment of length 8cms.
Difference between line, line segment and ray
| Line | Line segment | Ray |
| A line is a pair of two points that extend infinitely in opposite directions. | A line segment is a definite line of certain length between two points. | A line that has a starting point but no end point is said to be a ray. |
| It is indicated with arrows on both sides. | It is represented by dots on both sides. | It is represented by a dot on the starting point and by an arrow on the end point. |
| It is denoted with an arrow above AB. | It is denoted by a line on AB. | It is denoted by a point on the left and an arrow above AB. |
| IMAGE 1 | IMAGE 2 | IMAGE 3 |
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