Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos, updates, and tips.


Points, Lines and Shapes

Definition of points, lines and shapes in geometry:

Point: A point is the fundamental element of geometry. If we put the tip of a pencil on a paper and press it lightly, we see a very small mark on the paper. This mark is known as a point.


The smallest mark denotes the existence of a point. We say that a point does not have any length, breadth or thickness, but it has a definite position.

Existence of a Point

It can be named by a capital letter of the English alphabet like A, B, C, ……. etc.

In short, we can make a small dot on a paper by using a sharp pencil or a tip of the needle. It is called a point. It represents a position and is marked by a capital letter A, B, C etc. A point has no size or shape. So, on a line an infinite number of points exist.

Points are generally use to tell the position of something and mark line-segments. A point is so small that it has to be drawn very carefully.


Solved Examples on Points:

1. How many points are marked in the given figure?

How Many Points are There?

Solution:

There are 8 points marked in the figure i.e., A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H


Line: If two points are made at a distance on a surface and are joined by a pencil then a part of a line is formed. The part of the line will be straight if the surface is plane and curved if the surface is curved.

Part of a Line
The Part of the Line




Thus, if we join any two points with a ruler and extend it on both sides, a line is formed.

A line is indicated by drawing arrow-heads on both sides of the part of a line.

The arrow-heads at the ends indicate that the line goes on in both directions. A line has no end, so it has not a definite length.

Line has no End

The name of a line is indicated by two capital letters of the English alphabet.

The symbol ↔ is placed over the letters as AB, CD.

Name of a Line

These explanations on points, lines and shapes will help the kids to understand the different fundamental element of geometry and how they are indicated.

In short, a line is a straight path of points. A line has no beginning or end. A line is named by a single small letter l, m, n, etc. A line is also represented as \(\underset{AB}{\leftrightarrow}\). A line can be straight or curved.


SUMMARY:

Line has no end points.

It can be extended indefinitely in both directions.

 A line has no definite length.

• It is named A by a small letter of the English alphabet or two capital letters marked on it.


Straight Lines:

A line has no end points, it has no definite length.

Straight lines can be made in any direction.


Types of Straight Lines

\(\underset{XY}{\leftrightarrow}\) is a horizontal straight line.

\(\underset{CD}{\leftrightarrow}\) is a vertical straight line.

\(\underset{RS}{\leftrightarrow}\) is a slanting straight line.

We can call it oblique line.


Curved Lines:

Curved lines are fun lines and can be made anyway you like.

Curved Lines or Fun Lines


Line Segment:

Line Segment PQ

The straight line between two points is called a line segment.

Here, PQ is a line segment.

The points P and Q are called the end points of the line segment PQ.

A line segment can be measured with a scale, i.e., it has a definite length.

It has no breadth or thickness.


Ray:

\(\overrightarrow{MN}\) is a ray. It has one arrowhead to show that it can be made longer from the side of N.

Ray MN

A ray \(\overrightarrow{MN}\) has one end point M. The point M is called the initial point of ray \(\overrightarrow{MN}\).


Intersecting Lines:

Intersecting Lines AB and CD

Lines \(\overleftrightarrow{AB}\) and \(\overleftrightarrow{CD}\) are crossing each other at a point P.

So, these are intersecting lines.

P is called the point of intersection.


Some examples of intersecting lines are letter 'X' and sign of addition'+'.


REMEMBER:

Symbols or sign

stands for a straight line,

stands for a ray, and

― stands for a line segment.



Frequently asked questions on Points, Lines and Shapes in Geometry:

1. What is the definition of a point in math?

Answer:

A point gives an idea of a location by making a dot by a sharp pencil on a paper. It has no length, breadth and size. A point determines a location. A point has no dimension i.e., no shape or size.

For Example:

(i) The tip of a compass

(ii) The sharpened end of a pencil

(iii) The pointed end of a needle


2. How do you name a point?

Answer:

A point is denoted by a capital letter of the alphabet like A, B, C etc.

For Example:

Naming a Point

These points will be read as 'point A. 'point B' and 'point C.


3. What is Definition of Line in Maths?

Answer:

A line is a straight path that extends indefinitely in both directions. It has no end points. It has neither breadth nor thickness.


For Example:

The straight crease formed by folding a piece of paper is a physical example which is quite close to the idea of a line. Other examples are the edge of a ruler, edges of a table, etc.


Worksheet on Definition of Points, Lines and Shapes:

1. Name the line segments in each of these figures.

Name the Line Segments

Answer:

1. (i) PQ, QR, RS and SP

(ii) AB, BC, CD, DE and EA


2. Mark two points A and B on a sheet of paper. How many line segments can you draw passing through these points?

Answer:

2. one line


3. Fill in the blanks:

(i) A ray has __________ end point.

(ii) A line segment has __________ end points.

(iii) A line segment has __________ length.

(iv) A point shows a definite __________.

(v) A line MN is represented by __________.


Answer:

3. (i) one

(ii) two

(iii) definite

(iv) position

(v) \(\overleftrightarrow{MN}\)

You might like these

Related Concepts

Basic Shapes

Surfaces of the Solids

Common Solid Figures

Line-Segment, Ray and Line

Types of Lines

Geometrical Design and Models







3rd Grade Math Lessons

From Points, Lines and Shapes to HOME PAGE




Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.




Share this page: What’s this?

Recent Articles

  1. Terms Related to Simple Interest | Simple Interest Formula | Principal

    Jun 18, 25 02:57 PM

    In terms related to simple interest we will learn all the terms related to simple interest. The terms related to simple interest are Interest, Principal, Amount, Simple Interest, Time or period of tim…

    Read More

  2. Introduction to Simple Interest | Definition | Formula | Examples

    Jun 18, 25 01:50 AM

    Simple Interest
    In simple interest we will learn and identify about the terms like Principal, Time, Rate, Amount, etc. PRINCIPAL (P): The money you deposit or put in the bank is called the PRINCIPAL.

    Read More

  3. 5th Grade Profit and Loss Percentage Worksheet | Profit and Loss | Ans

    Jun 18, 25 01:33 AM

    5th Grade Profit and Loss Percentage Worksheet
    In 5th grade profit and loss percentage worksheet you will get different types of problems on finding the profit or loss percentage when cost price and selling price are given, finding the selling pri…

    Read More

  4. Worksheet on Profit and Loss | Word Problem on Profit and Loss | Math

    Jun 18, 25 01:29 AM

    Worksheet on Profit and Loss
    In worksheet on profit and loss, we can see below there are some different types of questions which we can practice in our homework.

    Read More

  5. Calculating Profit Percent and Loss Percent | Profit and Loss Formulas

    Jun 15, 25 04:06 PM

    In calculating profit percent and loss percent we will learn about the basic concepts of profit and loss. We will recall facts and formula while calculating profit percent and loss percent. Now we wil

    Read More