Identifying parallel and perpendicular lines
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Geometry - properties of shapes
Measurement
Fractions
Multiplication and division
Addition and subtraction
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Summary
Identifying parallel and perpendicular lines
In a nutshell
There are pairs of lines that have relationships to each other that are useful to know. Perpendicular lines are at a angle to each other. Parallel lines never touch and stay the same distance away from each other.
Perpendicular lines
When a line meets another at an angle of , the lines are perpendicular. Examples of perpendicular lines are the corners of a piece of paper.
Parallel lines
When two lines stay the same distance apart and never touch, they are parallel. A pair of train tracks are parallel lines, for example.
Example 1
Are these lines perpendicular or parallel to each other?
These lines touch so they cannot be parallel lines.
They meet at a angle, so:
The lines are perpendicular to each other.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
What are parallel lines?
Parallel lines never touch and stay the same distance away from each other.
What are perpendicular lines?
Perpendicular lines are at a 90 degree angle to each other.
What is an example of parallel lines?
A pair of train tracks is an example of parallel lines.