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Parallel and perpendicular lines

Part of Mathematics and NumeracyLines and anglesYear 3

Parallel and perpendicular lines

Parallel lines are a fixed distance apart and will never meet, no matter how long they are extended.

A diagram showing two parallel lines running alongside each other at the same distance and two perpendicular lines crossing each other at an angle of 90 degress.

Perpendicular lines will always cross at right angles.

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Quiz: Parallel and perpendicular lines

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Parallel lines

Parallel lines are the same distance apart from each other all the way along their length. Even if the lines are made longer, they will never meet.

Maya pointing to two lines that are running parallel to each other

You can find parallel lines all around you.

Parallel lines can be straight lines, like the edges on this picture frame.

A framed picture of 2 sunflowers. One sunflower is larger than the other.

They can also be curved lines, like these train tracks.

However, for the lines to be parallel, the distance between the lines always stays the same.

A railway track snaking across the screen showing 3 curves. There is a train at the beginning of the track.
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Perpendicular lines

Perpendicular lines meet at a right angle.

A right angle is a quarter turn, which is 90 degrees (90˚).

Right angles are sometimes shown with a small square where the lines meet.

A perpendicular line meeting another perpendicular line at a point, making a right angle.

Perpendicular lines can meet at a point, like at the edge of this book.

Or, they can cross each other like on this flag.

Arrows showing how the edge of a book and cross on a flag have perpendicular lines
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Example 1

Some polygons have parallel and perpendicular sides.

A horizontal and vertical side of a rectangle meeting at a corner.

Are the purple sides of this rectangle parallel or perpendicular?

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Example 2

A shape with two opposite sides marked. The lines run at the same angle and the same distance from each other.

Are the purple sides of this pentagon parallel or perpendicular?

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Use your times tables and more maths skills to defeat monsters and reclaim the Kingdom of Mathematica

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More on Lines and angles

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