SKEW LINES Meaning and
Definition
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Skew lines refer to two straight lines in three-dimensional space that do not intersect and are not parallel to each other. These lines are positioned in different planes and have distinct directions. Unlike parallel lines, which lie in the same plane and never meet, and intersecting lines, which cross each other at a common point, skew lines do not share any points in common and never meet, no matter how far they are extended.
Skew lines exhibit certain peculiar characteristics due to their non-intersecting and non-parallel nature. Firstly, they take different routes and never coincide, which means they will never have any common section along their lengths. Secondly, skew lines appear to diverge or converge when viewed from different perspectives, giving an impression of apparent intersection or distance.
Due to their distinct orientation and relative position in space, skew lines play a crucial role in various mathematical concepts and applications. They have important applications in computer graphics, computer-aided design (CAD), and engineering, particularly in solid geometry and three-dimensional modeling. Understanding skew lines aids in solving problems related to spatial relationships between objects, such as the articulation of joints in mechanical systems, measuring distances between objects, and determining the shortest distance between two non-intersecting lines.
Etymology of SKEW LINES
The word "skew" has its origins in the Middle English word "skewen", which meant "to turn aside" or "to deviate". It ultimately derives from the Old Norse word "skyggja", meaning "to move aside" or "to shy away".
Therefore, the term "skew lines" is used to describe non-parallel lines in geometry that do not intersect and are not contained within the same plane. The term "skew" is employed to convey the idea that these lines deviate or turn aside from each other, rather than being parallel or collinear.
