A point is a geometrical figure that shows the location of a place. A point has no size — it has no length, no width, and no thickness. We show a point by drawing a small dot (•) and name it using a capital letter, such as point A, point B, or point C.

Key features of a point:

• Has no size
• Shows a specific location
• Named by a capital letter

A line is made of many points joined together. It extends infinitely in both directions — it has no beginning and no end. We represent a line with an arrow on both ends to show it goes on forever.

A line can be named using any two points on it. For example, if points E and F lie on a line, we write it as $\overleftrightarrow{EF}$ or $\overleftrightarrow{FE}$.

Key features of a line:

• Extends infinitely in both directions
• Has no endpoints
• Can be named by two points on the line

A line segment is part of a line. It is straight and has two endpoints. Unlike a line, a line segment has a definite length that we can measure.

We denote a line segment by placing a bar above the two endpoint letters, like $\overline{AB}$ or $\overline{BA}$.

Key features of a line segment:

• Straight line
• Has two endpoints
• Has a measurable length

A ray is a line that starts at one point (called the endpoint) and extends infinitely in one direction. It has a starting point but no end point.

We denote a ray by placing an arrow above the two letters, with the first letter being the endpoint. For example, $\overrightarrow{AB}$ is a ray that starts at point A and goes through point B forever.

Key features of a ray:

• Has one fixed starting point (endpoint)
• Extends infinitely in one direction
• Named by its endpoint and another point on the ray

Question: In the diagram below, identify which figure is a line, a line segment, or a ray.

A ---------->

Answer: This is a ray because it has one starting point (A) and extends infinitely in one direction (towards the right). We can name this ray $\overrightarrow{AB}$.

In Tanzania, builders and carpenters use line segments when measuring and cutting materials like timber for furniture or wood for house construction. For example, when a mjenzi (carpenter) measures a piece of wood to be 5 metres long for making a door frame, they are measuring a line segment between two endpoints. Understanding points, lines, and line segments helps people draw accurate shapes and measurements in construction, sewing, and drawing maps.