How to Draw a Line Segment?
We all possibly know how to construct the common geometrical shapes like rectangles, triangles, squares, etc. But imagine can you construct these same shapes without using a line segment? No!!! It is certainly not possible to draw these shapes without a line segment. Line segment in itself is an interesting as well as important thing for constructing shapes. Here we will learn how to draw a line segment on a line using different ways.
Note that we can measure the length of a line segment either in metric units such as meters, millimeters, centimeters, or traditional units like inches or feets.
Methods To Construct a Line Segment of a Given Length
We can construct a line segment of any length by following two methods. The two methods are :
Construction of a Line Segment Using Ruler
Construction of Line segment using ruler and compass
Let us understand these two methods in detail below:
Construction of a Line Segment of Length Using a Ruler
Suppose, we have to draw a line segment of length 5 cm. The simplest method to construct a line segment of 5 cm is by using a ruler. Using ruler, we will mark two points which are at a distance of 5 cm from each other. Then, we will name those points as A and B and join them. By joining the two points i.e. A and B, we will get a line segment AB of length 5 cm.
However, it should be noted that if we do not look straight down at the ruler while constructing a line segment, we might end up with an incorrect distance. A more accurate method of constructing line segments of length 5 cm is described below.
Construction of Line Segment Using a Ruler and a Compass
Following are the steps of construction which we have to follow if we are asked to construct a line segment of 5 CM
Draw a line of any length. Mark a point A on the line, which can be considered as the initial point of the line segment.
As we have to draw the line segment of 5 cm, we can measure 7cm using ruler and compass.
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Place the pointer of the compass at A and draw an arc of 5 cm on the line which you have drawn in step 1 with the pencil.
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Mark the point B, where the arc and the line intersect each other.
Hence, you will get the line segment AB of length 5 cm.
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How Do We Distinguish a Line Segment From a Line?
A line is what we as a long, stretched out, straight mark on a surface which is illustrated by an arrow at each end depicting that it extends in two directions, unendingly. On the other hand, a line segment refers to a section of something, which means a section or portion of the line, has distinct starting and end.
Key Facts About Line Segment
A line segment is composed of two words i.e. line and segment.
The line has its origin from Latin, Old French and Old English. This implies that the term series and segment that emerges from Latin Segmentum means strip, a section cut off, or segment of earth.
Quiz Time On How To Draw A Line Segment
Question 1: For the Purpose of Drawing a Line Segment of a Given Length, Which of the Given Pairs of Tools are Required?
Ruler and Compass
Ruler and Protractor
Protractor and Divider
Compass and Divider
Answer: Option A. Ruler and Compass are used to draw a line segment.
Question 2: If MN is the Perpendicular Bisector of XY then MN Divides XY in What Ratio?
1: 1
1: 2
1: 4
2: 1
Answer: Option A. It is because that the perpendicular bisector divides the segment into 2 equal parts always. Therefore, MN divides XY in the ratio 1: 1
FAQs on Methods To Draw Line Segment
1. Do We Have Any Real Life Examples of a Line Segment?
Answer: Edges of a ruler, edges of a paper, sides of a polygon, are all examples of a line segment that you will encounter in daily life.
2. How Do We Write a Line Segment Mathematically?
Answer: We can write a line segment using the alphabetical letters for each of the endpoints and a line over the top of the letters. E.g. if the end point(s) were X and Y, then we can write the line segment XY with a line over the top.
3. Are Line Segments and Rays Similar?
Answer: No. Usually, a line segment is a line that consists of two endpoints. Moreover, it consists of these endpoints and all the other points of the line between them. Also, we can measure the length of a line segment, but not of a line. However, a ray is a part of a line that consists of only one endpoint and goes on endlessly in only one direction.
Q4. What are the Types of Line Segments?
Answer: There are mainly 3 types of line segments namely:
Intersecting lines
Parallel lines
Perpendicular lines.
