Points, lines, line segments, and rays

Topic Notes

In this lesson, we will learn:


Notes:

  • Points, Lines, Line Segments and Rays are basic figures in math that can be used to construct more complicated figures (i.e. angles, shapes, parallel/perpendicular lines, etc.)
Points, Lines, Line Segments and Ra

  • A point is a dot with position but no size nor shape (undefined) \,Points, Lines, Line Segments and Ra
    • There are an infinite number of points in figures (i.e. you can draw many points between endpoints in a line segment) \, Points, Lines, Line Segments and Ra
    • The proper notation of a point is just to write the named letter (ex. point AA)

  • A line has no beginning/end; an ongoing straight path of points Points, Lines, Line Segments and Ra
    • The arrows on both sides mean that it can extend infinitely in that direction
    • The proper notation of a line is to write the letters of two points in the figure and draw a double-sided arrow above the letters (ex. line AB\overleftrightarrow{AB})

  • A line segment is a part of a line with two finite endpoints Points, Lines, Line Segments and Ra
    • A line has arrows on both ends whereas the line segment has endpoints on both ends; the line continues forever, where the line segment ends where it is drawn
    • The proper notation of a line segment is to write the letters of the two endpoints and draw a bar above the letters (ex. line segment AB\overline{AB})

  • A ray starts at one endpoint and extends in one direction Points, Lines, Line Segments and Ra
    • One end of the ray has a point, whereas the other end of the ray has an arrow
    • The proper notation of a ray is to write the letters of two points in the figure (starting with the letter of the endpoint) and draw a one-sided arrow above the letters (ex. ray AB \overrightarrow{AB} )