The line as no endpoints and the line segment has two or one endpoints. A line segment is a part of the line. The line has no fixed point.
Line vs Line Segment
The main difference between a line and a line segment is that line has the potential to be extended in both directions while a line segment has a fixed start and endpoint. It can also be open from the open end or both ends.
The extension of the line is shown through arrows at both ends of the line. The arrow is called a ray. The ray (arrow) merely denotes the infiniteness of the line. A line has no endpoint and can be extended at both ends. Contrary to the line, a line segment has two definite ends and the end cannot be extended.
Example: Line
– Shown with arrows
———-à Line
———-à OR <————
Example: Line
Segment– shown with two dots
.—————.
Comparison Table Between Line and Line Segment
| Parameters of Comparison | Line | Line Segment |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A straight infinite path without width and breadth | It is a part of a line that has a definite start and endpoint |
| Endpoint | No | Yes |
| Length | Endless | Visible endpoints |
| Draw on a paper | Depiction of the endless line is not possible | It can be drawn on paper. |
| Measurable | Infinite. Not measurable on a scale | Quantified geometrically |
What is a Line?
A line is an infinite, long, continuous and straight path that is denoted with arrowheads at both ends. The arrowheads at both directions explain the dimension of length.
The line doesn’t have a width and depth. A line can intersect and also be shown as parallel.
A line also will not have a curve like the circles have. Lines can pass through the center point and line plays a pivotal role in the diameter of a circle.
Lines can be used diagonal and be intersected provided both lines do have two arrows to denote continuity.
This line is found in the comprehendible geometrical principle. But if we are referring to the infinite lines that exist in the galaxy, we are talking about the infinite existential universe.
What is a Line Segment?
A line segment is a part of the line that is to be depicted. The line segment has two definite ends that are shown using points. Let’s say A and B are two points.
The shortest distance between A and B is the line segment.
A line segment is a one-dimensional figure. For example, a square is made out of 4 equal-sized line segments. Now, let us understand this with an example.
The first point is called AB and the other endpoint is called BA.
Main Differences Between Line and Line Segment
Meaning
A line is a geometrical tool and the line segment is a component of that tool A line is an endless two-directional continuous path characterized by arrows.
A line segment is a section of the line with two points to demarcate an end. Hence a line segment has a definite beginning and end. Its also understood that a line segment is the shortest measurement between two given points put on a line.
Endpoint
The line doesn’t have an endpoint in a literal sense. But the line segment is definite and it begins and ends at different points too. The line segment has 2 endpoints.
As a line is infinite, it is geometrically and scientifically not possible to find a start or endpoint.
Length
Line length is infinite. Its length cannot be traced, measured, quantified on mathematically, geometrically and scientifically parameters.
The line just has length while the line segment has length, breadth, and width. On the other hand, a part of the line which is a line segment can be drawn on the paper
Conclusion
The theories like mathematics, geometry study the matters of line and line subjects. The shapes, sizes, positions, qualities are analyzed in these two subjects.
A line segment is needed to draw any shapes like a square triangle, rectangle, etc.
To summarize, a line is one dimensional with only an infinite length that can intersect parallel as well. A line segment is a component of a line that has length, breadth, width and two definite ends. A line is defined by its set of different line segments that start from one end and end at another.