The discussion of lines and planes in chapter 1 of this course was limited to their consideration as examples of sets. The present chapter is concerned with lines, angles, and areas as found in various plane (flat) geometric figures.

In the strictly mathematical sense, the term "line segment" should be used whenever we refer to the straight line joining some point A to some other point B. However, since the straight lines comprising geometric figures have clearly designated end points, we may simplify our terminology. Throughout the remaining chap used to designate straight line segments, unless stated otherwise.

The two basic types of lines in geometry are straight lines and curved lines. A curved -line joining points A a circle, it may be designated as "arc AB."

Figure 17-1 -Straight and curved lines. 

The term "broken line" in mathematics means a series of two or more straight segments connected end-to-end but not running in the same direction. In mathematics, a series of (See fig. 17-2.)

BROKEN LINE DASHED LINE

Straight lines may be their orientation to the observers horizon or in terms of their orientation to each other. For example, lines in the same plane which run beside each other without meeting at any point, no matter how far they are extended, are PARALLEL. (See fig. 17-3 (A).) Lines in the same plane which are not parallel are OBLIQUE. Oblique lines DEB, and BEA) are formed.

Lines which meet or cross each other are said to INTERSECT. Angles are formed when angle.

When the sides of an angle are perpendicular to each other, the angle is a RIGHT angle. This the other side is erect or upright.

The size of an angle refers to the amount of separation between its sides, and the unit of angular size is the angular DEGREE. A right angle contains 90 degrees, abbreviated 90 . An angle smaller than a right angle is acute; an angle larger than a right angle is obtuse. There 180.

If side AV in figure 17-5 (A) is moved downward, the size of the obtuse angle AVB is in straight line.