Intersection - Math Word Definition

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Math Open Reference Home Contact About Subject Index Intersection Definition: The point where two lines meet or cross Try this Drag any orange dot at the points A,B,P or Q. The line segments intersect at point K.

An intersection is a single point where two lines meet or cross each other. In the figure above we would say that "point K is the intersection of line segments PQ and AB". Another way it may be said is that "the line segment PQ intersects AB at point K".

Note that two line segments need not necessarily intersect anywhere. In the figure above, adjust point B upwards until the two line segments no longer intersect. However, recall that lines (as opposed to line segments) go on forever in both directions, and so they will always intersect somewhere unless they are exactly parallel.

Coordinate Geometry

In coordinate geometry, lines are described by equations. The point where two such lines intersect can be calculated from the equations of the two lines. See Intersection of two straight lines (Coordinate Geometry)

Other line topics

  • Point definition
  • Line definition
  • Vertical lines
  • Horizontal lines
  • Line segment
  • Midpoint of a line
  • Ray
  • Angle
  • Opposite rays
  • Intersection
  • Parallel lines
  • Transversal
  • Line bisector
  • Perpendicular bisector
  • Coplanar
  • Collinear points
  • Plane
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