Points, Lines, Line Segments and Rays
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Learning text on the topic Points, Lines, Line Segments and Rays
Points, Lines, Line Segments & Rays – Definition
In this learning text we are going to talk about geometry. Geometry is the study of shapes, sizes, angles and dimensions of objects. To understand geometry, we must learn the key definitions, which you will use when learning geometry in different year groups. They are: points, lines, line segments & rays.
- A point is a specific location on a flat surface.
- A line is a set of points that extends definitely, or without ending, in both directions. We often show this by putting an arrow at each end of lines we draw.
- A line segment is part of a line between two endpoints.
- A ray is part of a line that has an end point on one side but extends the other direction without ending.
Let’s look at some real-life examples to see how these concepts work.
Points, Lines, Line Segments & Rays – Examples
A good visual representation to use to show these terms is a baseball field. You may or may not be familiar with this American sport but it is a little bit like rounders. Using a baseball field (images below if you are not sure) as visual representation, we are going to show points, lines, line segments and rays as real-life examples. For revision, have a look at the table below for an overview of points, lines, line segments and rays.
| Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| point | A point is a specific location on a flat surface. |
| line | A line is a set of points that extends definitely or without ending in both directions. |
| line segment | A line segment is part of a line between two endpoints. |
| ray | A ray is part of a line that has an end point on one side but extends the other direction without ending. |
Now let’s look at the points on the baseball field: they can represent players on the field. Remember points are created by marking specific locations on a flat surface. Below you can see a baseball diamond with different points. The bases make points, the home plate (next to where the batter stands) is a point and the pitching mound (where the ball is thrown) is a point too. The points around the field are representing the players. This is just one example to visualise the concept of a point.
Let’s look at examples of lines. A line is created by connecting specific points. The green lines below are never-ending lines because they have the ability to continue forever in both directions. In the picture below we can only see a portion of a line as the line never ends.
In mathematics, we put an arrow at the end of a line which indicates the direction of a never-ending line.
A line segment is just a small portion or section of a line. We mark the section of a line with endpoints to indicate we are looking at this small part.
On this baseball field, there are many line segments: the joined lines between the bases and home plate are line segments. Each connection from one point to another is a line segment. The line from the pitcher’s plate to the home plate is also a line segment, even the ball thrown from third base to first base will make a line segment.
The line segments can be anywhere, all depending on the position or points where the player is standing.
In a baseball field, a ray can be created when the player is in the batter’s box. The home plate is the position of the end point, and the lines are extended with no endpoints.
As mentioned before, the baseball field is just one of the real-life examples showing points, lines, line segments and rays.
Points, Lines, Line Segments & Rays – Summary
All geometry is based on these concepts:
- A point is a specific location on a flat surface.
- A line is a set of points that extends definitely or without ending in both directions. We often show this by putting an arrow at each end of lines we draw.
- A line segment is part of a line between two endpoints.
- A ray is part of a line that has an end point on one side but extends the other direction without ending.
This text explored the meaning of the terms points, lines, line segments and rays. Now you can have a go at the worksheet related to points, lines, line segments & rays. For more on angles and lines, explore geometry on our website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Points, Lines, Line Segments & Rays
Points, Lines, Line Segments and Rays exercise
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What is geometry?
HintsWhat do the words point, lines, line segments and rays relate to?
Think about the size of something.
SolutionThe correct answer is studying the shape and size of an object.
Geometry is all about defining a shape. We do that by looking at different elements that create a shape such as points, lines, line segments and rays.
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What do these geometry terms mean?
HintsA line doesn't end. There can be segments that form part of it.
This is an example of a ray.
SolutionA point is a specific location on a flat surface. In the image, the point is pink.
A line is a set of points that extends without ending. In the image, the lines are blue.
A ray is part of a line that has one endpoint. In the image the rays are yellow.
A line segment is part of a line between two endpoints. In the image, the line segments are green.
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Identify real world objects that have been created using geometry.
HintsRemember, geometry is the study of shapes, sizes, angles and dimensions of an object.
People use dots to mark cities or locations on a map.
Have you ever heard the phrase, "the sun's rays are beaming down on us"?
SolutionThe correct pairs are:
- ray and sun; because the sun's rays only extend in one direction
- point and map; the red locations on the map are locations that take up an area
- line and road; a road extends indefinitely in both directions
- line segment and pencil; the point of the pencil is one end and the eraser is the other end. A pencil does not extend forever.
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How many points are in the object?
HintsCorners are created when line segments come together at a point.
Lines, line segments and rays are made up of many points. In a shape, the point where two line segments intersect is called a corner or vertex.
SolutionThere are 9 corners altogether in the image.
A rectangle is made up of 4 line segments, so there will be 4 corners where the line segments come together for both rectangles.
A triangle is only made up of 3 line segments, so there are only 3 corners on a triangle.
To find the total number of corners, you just count all the dots you see in the object. Be careful not to count them twice!
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Identify examples of lines.
HintsA line extends in two directions.
A line is created by connecting a set of points.
Lines are never ending.
SolutionThe number line is an example of a line because numbers extend indefinitely in both directions.
Lines a and b are parallel lines. These are lines that extend indefinitely in both directions but never cross each other.
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Identify examples of geometric terms.
HintsA line goes on indefinitely but a line segment is only part of a line.
Lines, line segments and rays do not curve.
SolutionHere we can see:
- the lines are blue
- the rays are yellow
- the points are pink
- the line segments are green.
Lines, rays, points and line segments do not curve, so they should not be highlighted either.
