Line and Line segment

Line and Line segments are two figures that are constructed in math and geometry. These two figures are used in many different settings and situations. A line is used to represent the straight line, while a line segment is used to represent a part of the straight line. However, it is important to note that there are not two types of lines but one. Each of the two types has distinct characteristics and relationships with other shapes. Line and Line segments have subtle differences that may go unnoticed by many people. This article seeks to highlight the differences between the Line and Line segment to help students learn this material more easily.

What is Line?

A line is a figure that is a mathematical abstraction. It has length but no width. It is often used to measure distance and is represented as an unbroken series of points connected by a ruler. A line may have zero, one, or two dimensions. The best way to understand line would be to study its representations that include line segment and ray. Line segment and ray are similar but different in specific characteristics that are outlined below:

1) They are not changeable. Lines do not change from one point to another. Thus, ray and line segment both represent a part of the same line.

2) They cannot contain curves or bends. Rays and line segments are two types of straight lines that have no curves or bends in the middle they maintain their solids form if bent at any point then the figure will change its shape to a circle.

3) They have an absolute length. A ray has a definite length that is not altered even when the observer changes his position from one point to another.

4) They do not have width, unlike lines. However, angles in rays and line segments have a width as they contain two rays by their sides.

5) Lines are unbounded whereas rays are bounded by one line at both ends.

6) Lines are infinite in length while rays are finite.

Line Segment:

A line segment is a part of the straight line that has distinct beginning and endpoints. A line segment is also referred to as a line or part of a line. It is a one-dimensional figure with length but no width. It may pass through the three-dimensional figures such as space, but it does not have any measure that could be perceived by senses. 

Difference between Line and Line Segment:

1) The term line refers to any straight line while the term line segment refers to a part of a straight line. A line is two-dimensional while a line segment is one-dimensional.

2) A line has zero width and infinite length, but a ray and a line segment have definite linear measurements.

3) A ray can be either finite or infinite in length, but it does not have any width whereas the width of a line segment is zero.

4) A ray cannot pass through three-dimensional figures as it lacks depth, but it can give an idea of passing through the three-dimensional objects due to its length extending in both directions from its origin point, unlike the one-dimensional figure that extends in only one direction from their origin points.

5) Line segment is used to represent a part of the straight line while a ray is used to represent a series of points aligned in one plane. A line segment can be shown in solid while a ray cannot be shown in solid.

6) Line segment can only have two angles at its end. It is always bounded by two rays; however, the ray can have more than two angles at its end as it has three rays on both ends. In addition, the intermediate rays may be missing while focusing on any particular ray.

7) A line has zero width and infinite length, but a ray and a line segment have definite linear measurements.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the difference between line and line segment is that a line is any straight line while a line segment refers to a part of a straight line. The line is two-dimensional while the ray and line segment are one-dimensional. Ray has no endpoints but can be divided into two by intersecting them with the other figure. However, ray and line segments cannot pass through three-dimensional figures.