Understanding Rays in Mathematics | Definition, Properties, and Uses

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In mathematics, a ray is a straight line that extends infinitely in one direction from a specific starting point called the endpoint

In mathematics, a ray is a straight line that extends infinitely in one direction from a specific starting point called the endpoint. A ray is named based on its endpoint and any other point lying on the line. The endpoint is denoted with a capital letter followed by an arrowhead pointing towards the infinite direction. For example, if A is the endpoint and any point B lies on the line extending infinitely in one direction from A, then we can name the ray as “ray AB” or “ray BA”.

Rays are one-dimensional and have no width or thickness. They can be thought of as starting from a point and going on forever in a specific direction. It is important to note that rays only have one endpoint, and they do not contain points on their opposite side.

Rays are commonly used in geometric diagrams and in various mathematical proofs and constructions. They help us visualize and understand properties of lines and angles. For example, if we are given a line segment and we extend one of its sides infinitely in one direction, we would have a ray.

In summary, a ray is a part of a line that starts from an endpoint and goes on infinitely in one direction. It is named based on its endpoint and any other point on the line.

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