line segment
A line segment is defined as a part of a line that has two distinct endpoints
A line segment is defined as a part of a line that has two distinct endpoints. It is a straight path that connects two points in space. The length of a line segment can be measured by finding the distance between its endpoints.
To better understand line segments, let’s consider an example:
Suppose we have a line segment with endpoints A and B. We can represent the line segment by writing AB or BA, where the order of the points does not matter.
To find the length of the line segment AB, we need to determine the distance between points A and B. This can be done using the distance formula:
Distance = √((x2 – x1)^2 + (y2 – y1)^2)
Let’s say that A has coordinates (2, 3) and B has coordinates (5, 7). Using the distance formula, we can calculate the length of AB as follows:
Distance = √((5 – 2)^2 + (7 – 3)^2)
= √(3^2 + 4^2)
= √(9 + 16)
= √25
= 5
Therefore, the length of line segment AB is 5 units.
It is important to note that a line segment has finite length, while a line extends indefinitely in both directions. Additionally, a line segment can be measured using various units, such as centimeters, inches, or meters, depending on the context or given information.
I hope this explanation helps clarifying the concept of a line segment. Let me know if you have any further questions!
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