Perpendicular
/ˌpɜːrpənˈdɪkjələr/
Definitions
2 meaningsAt an angle of 90 degrees to a given line or surface; upright; vertical.
/ˌpɜːrpənˈdɪkjələr/
Forming or being at an angle of 90 degrees to a given line or plane.
The walls of the building are perpendicular to the ground.
💡 Simply: Think of two lines crossing like a 'T'. If the top of the 'T' is perfectly straight up and down compared to the bottom, then the lines are perpendicular. It's all about making a square corner!
👶 For kids: When two lines make a perfect corner, like the corner of a square, they're perpendicular!
More Examples
The road intersects the highway at a perpendicular angle.
Draw a line perpendicular to the base of the triangle.
How It's Used
"Two lines are perpendicular if they intersect at a right angle."
"The roof was supported by perpendicular beams."
A line or plane at an angle of 90 degrees to another line or plane.
/ˌpɜːrpənˈdɪkjələr/
The perpendicular from the apex bisects the base of the triangle.
💡 Simply: The line that makes the perfect corner (90-degree angle).
👶 For kids: It's the line that makes a perfect corner with another line!
More Examples
Construct the perpendicular from the point to the line.
The engineer drew a perpendicular to ensure structural integrity.
How It's Used
"Drop a perpendicular from a point to a line to find the shortest distance."
From Latin *perpendicularis*, meaning 'hanging straight down,' from *perpendiculum*, a plumb line, from *per* (through, completely) + *pendere* (to hang).
The term 'perpendicular' has been used in geometry and architecture since the 15th century, particularly during the English Perpendicular Gothic architectural style which emphasized vertical lines.
Memory tip
Imagine a perfectly straight line crossing another, like the letter 'T'. That's perpendicular.