How to Draw a Line Segment?
We all possibly know how to construct the common geometrical shapes like rectangles, triangles, squares, etc. But imagine can you construct these same shapes without using a line segment? No!!! It is certainly not possible to draw these shapes without a line segment. Line segment in itself is an interesting as well as important thing for constructing shapes. Here we will learn how to draw a line segment on a line using different ways.
Note that we can measure the length of a line segment either in metric units such as meters, millimeters, centimeters, or traditional units like inches or feets.
Methods To Construct a Line Segment of a Given Length
We can construct a line segment of any length by following two methods. The two methods are :
Let us understand these two methods in detail below:
Construction of a Line Segment of Length Using a Ruler
Suppose, we have to draw a line segment of length 5 cm. The simplest method to construct a line segment of 5 cm is by using a ruler. Using ruler, we will mark two points which are at a distance of 5 cm from each other. Then, we will name those points as A and B and join them. By joining the two points i.e. A and B, we will get a line segment AB of length 5 cm.
However, it should be noted that if we do not look straight down at the ruler while constructing a line segment, we might end up with an incorrect distance. A more accurate method of constructing line segments of length 5 cm is described below.
Construction of Line Segment Using a Ruler and a Compass
Following are the steps of construction which we have to follow if we are asked to construct a line segment of 5 CM
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Draw a line of any length. Mark a point A on the line, which can be considered as the initial point of the line segment.
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As we have to draw the line segment of 5 cm, we can measure 7cm using ruler and compass.
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Place the pointer of the compass at A and draw an arc of 5 cm on the line which you have drawn in step 1 with the pencil.
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Mark the point B, where the arc and the line intersect each other.
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Hence, you will get the line segment AB of length 5 cm.
How Do We Distinguish a Line Segment From a Line?
A line is what we as a long, stretched out, straight mark on a surface which is illustrated by an arrow at each end depicting that it extends in two directions, unendingly. On the other hand, a line segment refers to a section of something, which means a section or portion of the line, has distinct starting and end.
Key Facts About Line Segment
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A line segment is composed of two words i.e. line and segment.
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The line has its origin from Latin, Old French and Old English. This implies that the term series and segment that emerges from Latin Segmentum means strip, a section cut off, or segment of earth.
Quiz Time On How To Draw A Line Segment
Question 1: For the Purpose of Drawing a Line Segment of a Given Length, Which of the Given Pairs of Tools are Required?
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Ruler and Compass
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Ruler and Protractor
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Protractor and Divider
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Compass and Divider
Answer: Option A. Ruler and Compass are used to draw a line segment.
Question 2: If MN is the Perpendicular Bisector of XY then MN Divides XY in What Ratio?
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1: 1
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1: 2
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1: 4
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2: 1
Answer: Option A. It is because that the perpendicular bisector divides the segment into 2 equal parts always. Therefore, MN divides XY in the ratio 1: 1