• Algebra
• Trigonometry
• Geometry
• Calculus

Perpendicular Lines

The intersecting lines which contain right angle between them are called perpendicular lines.

Introduction

Straight lines are often intersected in a plane in geometrical system. Occasionally, they get intersected by an angle of $90$ degrees (right angle).

In this case, the straight lines are called as perpendicular lines.

Example

$\small \overleftrightarrow{AB}$ and $\small \overleftrightarrow{CD}$ are two straight lines and they are intersected by an angle of $90^\circ$ in a plane at point $\small O$. Therefore, the straight lines $\small \overleftrightarrow{AB}$ and $\small \overleftrightarrow{CD}$ are said to be perpendicular to each other.

1. $\small \overleftrightarrow{AB}$ is called as perpendicular line to $\small \overleftrightarrow{CD}$, and represented by $\small \overleftrightarrow{AB} \perp \overleftrightarrow{CD}$.
2. $\small \overleftrightarrow{CD}$ is called as perpendicular line to $\small \overleftrightarrow{AB}$, and denoted by $\small \overleftrightarrow{CD} \perp \overleftrightarrow{AB}$.