Understanding Line Segments in Mathematics | Definition, Properties, and Applications

Line Segment

In mathematics, a line segment is a portion of a line that is bounded by two distinct points called endpoints

In mathematics, a line segment is a portion of a line that is bounded by two distinct points called endpoints. It is a straight path connecting these endpoints, and it is the shortest distance between them.

A line segment can be represented by its two endpoints using the notation AB, where A and B represent the endpoints. The segment extends from point A to point B, including these points. The length of the line segment can be measured by finding the distance between the two endpoints using various distance formulas, such as the Euclidean distance formula √((x2 – x1)^2 + (y2 – y1)^2) in a 2-dimensional coordinate plane.

Line segments have some important properties:

1. Length: The length of a line segment AB is denoted as |AB| or simply AB. It represents the magnitude or size of the segment, which is a non-negative value.

2. Midpoint: The midpoint of a line segment AB is the point that divides the segment into two equal parts. It lies exactly halfway between the two endpoints, and its coordinates can be found by taking the average of the coordinates of the endpoints.

3. Collinearity: Any three points lying on a line segment are said to be collinear.

Line segments are often used in geometry to define shapes and angles, and they play a fundamental role in various mathematical concepts and theorems.

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