Question

classify each figure as a line, ray, or line segment. then, show how to write it.
(a)
(b)
(c)

Explanation:

Step1: Recall definitions

• A line extends infinitely in both directions.
• A ray has one endpoint and extends infinitely in one direction.
• A line segment has two endpoints.

Step2: Classify figure (a)

Figure (a) has no endpoints and extends infinitely in both directions. So it is a line. We write it as \(\overleftrightarrow{TU}\) (the order of the letters does not matter for a line).

Step3: Classify figure (b)

Figure (b) has two endpoints \(P\) and \(Q\). So it is a line segment. We write it as \(\overline{PQ}\) (the order of the letters does not matter for a line segment).

Step4: Classify figure (c)

Figure (c) has one endpoint \(R\) and extends infinitely in one direction (through \(S\)). So it is a ray. We write it as \(\overrightarrow{RS}\) (the order of the letters matters for a ray, with the endpoint first).

Answer:

(a) Type: line; How to write it: \(\overleftrightarrow{TU}\)
(b) Type: line segment; How to write it: \(\overline{PQ}\)
(c) Type: ray; How to write it: \(\overrightarrow{RS}\)