INTRODUCTION TO BASIC
GEOMETRIC CONCEPTS
Krithi Rajkumar
KV CLRI
9/21/2024
Introduction to Basic
Geometric Concepts
Geometry is built on several foundational ideas such as points, lines, rays, line
segments, and angles. These form the core of geometric study and help us
understand the construction and analysis of shapes in plane geometry.
1. Point
Define Point
A point is a precise location with no dimensions. It has no length, breadth
or height.
Points are usually denoted by capital letters, e.g., Point A, Point B, etc.
Example: The tip of a sharpened pencil or the end of a needle.
Key Characteristics:
Infinitely small.
Cannot be measured.
2. Line Segment
Define Line Segment
A line segment is the shortest path between two endpoints. It is part of a
line and can be measured.
A line segment between points A and B is written as AB or BA .
Finite length.
Has endpoints that mark its boundaries.
3. Line
Define Line
A line is a straight path that extends infinitely in both directions without
´ or BA
endpoints. A line through points A and B is written as AB ´ .
Key Characteristics:
Infinite in both directions.
Not measurable
No endpoints.
4. Ray
Define Ray
A ray is a portion of a line that starts from one point and extends infinitely in
one direction. A ray starting from point A and passes through B is written as
⃗
AB
Key Characteristics:
One endpoint, extending infinitely in the other direction.
5. Angle
Define Angle
An angle is formed by two rays with a common starting point (vertex), and it
measures the amount of rotation between them.
An angle formed by rays BD and BE, with B as the vertex, is denoted as
∠DBE or ∠EBD.
Key Characteristics:
Measured in degrees (°).
The vertex is the common point where the two rays meet.
Types of Angles:
1. Acute Angle: Less than 90°.
2. Right Angle: Exactly 90°.
3. Obtuse Angle: Greater than 90° but less than 180°.
4. Straight Angle: Exactly 180°.
5. Reflex Angle: Greater than 180° but less than 360°.
6. Measuring Angles
Angles are measured in degrees, which represent the rotation from one ray to
the other around the vertex. A full circle contains 360°, and a right angle is
90°.
Example: A protractor is used to measure angles between rays.
Steps for Measuring an Angle:
1. Place the protractor at the vertex of the angle.
2. Align one ray with the 0° line.
3. Read the degree where the other ray intersects the protractor’s scale.
7. Comparing Angles
🔲Superimposition:
To compare two angles, we can place them one on top of the other
(superimposition) and see which one has a larger degree of rotation.
Without Superimposition:
By using tools like a protractor or circular overlays, angles can be compared
visually or by calculating their arc lengths on a circle.
Key Characteristics:
The larger the angle, the greater the rotation or turn.
8. Special Types of Angles
Right Angle:
🔲Definition:
A right angle measures exactly 90°. It is the result of two rays meeting
perpendicularly.
Straight Angle:
🔲Definition:
A straight angle measures 180° and forms a straight line between two rays.
Equal Angles:
🔲Definition:
Two angles are equal if they have the same degree of rotation.
Angle Bisector:
Define Angle Bisector
An angle bisector divides an angle into two equal parts.
9. Real-Life Applications of Angles
Angles are everywhere in the real world, playing a critical role in architecture,
engineering, and everyday activities:
1. Clocks:
o The hands of a clock create angles at different times. For example,
at 2 o’clock, the angle between the hands is 60°.
2. Doors:
o The opening of a door forms an angle between the door and the
wall. A fully open door represents a straight angle (180°).
3. Swings:
o A swinging pendulum forms angles with the vertical as it moves.
The greater the angle, the faster the pendulum swings.
10. Drawing Angles
🔲Definition:
To draw an angle of a specific measure, a protractor is used. For instance, to
draw a 30° angle:
Steps:
1. Draw the base: Begin by drawing a straight line (ray IN).
2. Place the protractor: Align the 0° mark with the base.
3. Mark the angle: Count the degrees up to 30° and mark the point.
4. Draw the second ray: Connect the vertex to the point marked.
Practice Exercise:
Draw the following angles:
45°, 60°, 120°.
11. Summary
A point represents a specific location and is dimensionless.
A line segment connects two points and has measurable length.
A line extends infinitely in both directions, while a ray starts at one point
and goes on infinitely in one direction.
Angles measure the rotation between two rays and can be classified as
acute, right, obtuse, straight, and reflex.
Protractors are used to measure angles, and superimposition helps in
comparing angles.
Angles are essential in real-life applications like construction, optics,
and navigation.
