To draw a line segment of length 6.3 cm, you use a ruler (and optionally a compass to copy the length). A line segment has two endpoints and a fixed length. This is one of the basic constructions in geometry.
Method 1 (ruler): Mark 0 cm as A, mark 6.3 cm as B, draw AB.
Method 2 (compass): Set compass to 6.3 cm using ruler, then mark arc from A on a ray.
Compass method is more accurate — avoids parallax error.
A line segment has two endpoints; a line extends infinitely.
Midpoint of a 6.3 cm segment is at 3.15 cm from each end.
AB notation with a bar over it denotes a line segment.
Steps:
Result: AB = 6.3 cm is the required line segment.
Note: Ensure the pencil is sharp and the mark is made at the exact 6.3 cm graduation. A slight error in marking leads to an inaccurate segment.
Steps to draw a line segment of given length using compass:
Draw a ray: Draw a ray with starting point A (using a ruler).
Set the compass: Place the compass on the ruler — keep the needle at 0 cm and the pencil at 6.3 cm. The compass is now set to 6.3 cm.
Mark point B: Keep the compass needle at point A. Draw a small arc on the ray. The point where the arc cuts the ray is B.
Join A to B: The segment from A to B = 6.3 cm.
Label: Write A at the start and B at the endpoint.
AB = 6.3 cm is the required line segment.
Why use a compass? • The compass transfers an exact length without reading the ruler again. • Reduces parallax error from reading the ruler twice. • Used in constructions where the segment must be copied to another location.
Important terms:
• Line: extends infinitely in both directions — has no endpoints. • Ray: starts at a point and extends infinitely in one direction — one endpoint. • Line segment: has two fixed endpoints — finite length. Notation: AB̄ or just AB (with length = 6.3 cm here)
• Bisecting a line segment: To find the midpoint of AB = 6.3 cm: Midpoint = 6.3/2 = 3.15 cm from either end. To construct: open compass to more than half of AB, draw arcs from A and B above and below the line. The two intersection points, when joined, bisect AB.
• Copy a line segment: use the compass method (Method 2 above) to reproduce the same length at a different location.
Method 1 (ruler): Mark point A at 0 cm on ruler, mark point B at 6.3 cm, draw line AB. Method 2 (compass): Draw a ray from A, set compass to 6.3 cm using ruler, arc from A cuts the ray at B. AB = 6.3 cm.
A line extends infinitely in both directions and has no endpoints. A line segment has two fixed endpoints and a definite length (e.g., 6.3 cm). A ray has one endpoint and extends infinitely in one direction.
The compass method is more accurate because it transfers the exact length with a single setting, eliminating parallax error that can occur when reading the ruler at two separate points.
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