Methods to Draw a Line Segment

Introduction

• As the name implies, a line segment is a section of a line with two endpoints.

• It is one of the fundamental components of practical geometry and makes it easier to construct geometric figures and forms.

• An element of a straight line connecting two places is referred to as a line segment.

• The symbol for a line segment having the endpoints A and B is AB.

• However, how do you draw a line segment? Does the instrument we use to measure a line segment match the one we use to draw it? We will explore the ways of drawing line segments in this tutorial.

Line Segment

• A line segment in geometry has two different points on it that define its boundaries.

• A line segment is sometimes referred to as a section of a line that links two places.

• The difference between a line and a line segment is that a line has no endpoints and can go on forever in either direction.

• A ray has only one endpoint and an endlessly long other end, as opposed to a line segment that has two ends.

In the following figure AB is line segment part of the line l

How to draw line Segments

An element of a line with a start points and an endpoint is called a line segment. The line segment symbol, a bar at the top, designates its specific length. Any of the following approaches can be used to create a line segment of a specific length −

• Using a Ruler to Draw a Line Segment

• Utilizing a Ruler and Compasses to Draw a Line Segment

Using Ruler

The simplest and most straightforward way is to use a ruler to create a line segment that is the appropriate length. We follow the following process to draw a line segment using a ruler −

Step1 − Take a scale and look for its zero-point starting point as the first step.

Step2 − Set the scale on the piece of paper and tack a dot at the beginning of each line segment, give it an P.

Step3 − Mark the line segment's termination up to the necessary length, say 10 cm, give it Q.

Step4 − Connect the two points by drawing a straight line. We will receive a line segment PQ that is 10 cm long.

Using Compass & Ruler

A ruler and compasses can also be used to draw a line segment. Although it calls for more attention, this approach might be deemed more accurate. We follow the following process to draw a line segment using a ruler and compass −

Step1 − Create a line of any length , mark point P.

Step2 − The beginning of the line segment. Use a ruler to align the compass pointer at P and open it so that the lead of the pencil is at Q, which is 4.5 cm away from P.

Constructing triangles with 3 sides given

The information provided will determine how a triangle is built. Here, we'll look at how to make a triangle when we know how long each of its three sides is. The lengths of all three sides must satisfy the following crucial triangle property before we can begin to build the triangle. The property states that any two triangle sides added together will always be greater than the triangle's third side. We won't be able to create a triangle out of the given three sides if the triangle's aforementioned property isn't met by them. When all three side lengths are known, the ruler and compass, the mathematical tools are required to form a triangle.

For Example:

Given that PQ is 4 cm, QR is 6 cm, and PR is 5 cm, create the triangle PQR.

Construction

Step 1 − Draw a line segment QR=6cm. (Here we take the longest side)

Step 2 − With ‘Q’ as centre, draw an arc of radius 4 cm above the line QR.

Step 3 − With ‘R’ as center, draw an arc of 5 cm to intersect the previous arc at ‘P’

Step 4 − Join PQ and PR. Now PQR is the required triangle.

When the lengths of all three sides are specified using a compass and a straightedge or ruler, this structure demonstrates how to make a triangle straightforwardly.

Solved Examples

1. Draw a line segment LM of length 8.5cm using a ruler.

Solution:

2. Construct a line segment XY of length 3.5 cm using a ruler and compass.

Solution:

Create a line of any length in step one. Mark point X, the beginning of the line segment. Use a ruler to align the compass pointer at X and open it so that the lead of the pencil is at Y, which is 3.5 cm away from X s follows −

3. What are the steps of constructing a triangle with three sides known?

Solution:

Following are the steps to follow to draw a triangle XYZ of the sides given that XY is 8 cm, YZis 12 cm, and XZ is 10 cm.

Step 1 − Draw a line segment YZ=12 cm. (Here we take the longest side)

Step 2 − With ‘Y’ as centre, draw an arc of radius 8 cm above the line YZ.

Step 3 − With ‘Z’ as center, draw an arc of 10 cm to intersect the previous arc at ‘X’

Step 4 − Join XY and XZ. Now XYZ is the required triangle.

Conclusion

We can draw a line segment using a ruler and a ruler and compass both as discussed in this tutorial. But while drawing we must remember these points to prevent mistakes, while drawing the line segment, look directly down at the rule. Don't forget to make sure the compass's top hinge is secured to prevent slipping. Secure the pencil's grip firmly to prevent slipping, but don't squeeze it too hard or your circle's diameter will alter. Make sure the pencil lead is in line with the compass's needle.

FAQs

1. Why do we employ line segments?

A line segment can be measured since it has a start point and an endpoint. Since line segments have a set length, they can be used to represent any polygon's sides. A ray cannot be measured since it has only one start point and no end point.

2. How are line segments measured?

The line segments are measured using a scale. Along the scale's two edges, inches and centimetres are marked.

3. How many different kinds of line segments exist?

Line segments come in four different varieties.

4. Can a segment of a line be curved?

A straight-line segment can be created by joining two points on a flat surface. However, a curved line segment is created when two points on a curved surface are linked.

5. What is a line segment's length?

The distance between a line segment's two endpoints can be used to calculate its length. It is the path that connects the two points and has a known length.