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.

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.

Solved Examples on Points:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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

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