Difference Between Line And Line Segment
The key difference between line and line segment is, a line is extended in both directions infinitely but a line segment has two endpoints. In the elementary level geometry, the term that every student comes across is ‘line’.
A line is a simple geometric shape that extends in both the directions, but a line segment has two defined endpoints. Both the figures are also different from a ray, as a ray has only one endpoint and extend infinitely in one direction.
It is significant for the students to comprehend the contrast between these two terminologies. This article is a quick reckoner guide of what are the differences between line and a line segment.
Definition of Line and Line Segment
Line: A line is a one-dimensional geometrical figure. It is defined as a straight, long, and a continuous path that is represented using the arrowheads at both directions. It extends in both the directions.
Line Segment: A line segment is a straight line that passes through the two points. A line segment has a definite length. The shortest distance between two points can be measured with the help of a ruler. It has length, but it does not have a width and depth.
What is the Difference Between Line and Line Segment?
It is a basic fundamental aspect for all the students of the elementary level to understand the variances between these both terms. Below mentioned are a few differences.
| Line | Line Segment |
| The line doesn’t have an endpoint. | While the line segment has two endpoints. |
| A line extends in both the directions | As the line segment has the start and endpoint, it does not extend in both the directions. |
| It does not have a start and endpoint | It has start and endpoint |
| The length of the line cannot be measured | The length of the line segment can be measured |
| Many students have a question if a line can be drawn on a sheet of paper. And, the answer to that question is ‘No’. | ‘Yes,’ a line segment can be drawn on a sheet of the paper. |
| As mentioned earlier in the first point, that the line doesn’t possess an endpoint. The length of a line is indefinite. | As mentioned in the first point, a line segment comprises of two endpoints. The length is definite. |
| A line can be comprehended as a boundless, straight, continuous and a long path. | A line segment is a tiny part of a section of the line. |
| The line is represented as – AB and a horizontal line with arrow marks above the AB, i.e. \(\overleftrightarrow{AB}\) | Whereas, the line segment is denoted as – AB and a horizontal line above the AB, i.e. \(\overline{AB}\) |
Concisely, a line is defined as a 1-dimensional geometric shape which extends infinitely in both the directions. At the same time, a line segment is defined as, the figure that possesses two endpoints. To know more, visit BYJU’S – The Learning App.