A ray in geometry is a part of a line that has a fixed starting point but extends infinitely in one direction. It’s like the sun’s rays spreading out from the sun; they begin at one point but continue on without ever ending. To understand rays better, here are some key features:
- Starting Point: A ray has an initial point called the endpoint. This is the point from which the ray starts.
- Direction: A ray goes on indefinitely in one direction. This means it does not have an endpoint at the other end; it extends forever.
- Representation: In diagrams, a ray is usually represented with an arrow on one end, indicating it goes on infinitely in that direction. For instance, if you have a ray with an endpoint labeled as point A and extends through point B, it can be written symbolically as
ABwith an arrow to the right.
Rays are fundamental in geometry, often used in defining angles, forming geometric shapes, and even in real-world applications like light and energy paths. Understanding rays helps to build a foundation for more complex geometric concepts.