When two lines cross each other they are known as Intersecting Lines.
These intersecting lines meet at a common point known as a Point of Intersection.
Observe the below image:
⟹ M & N are intersecting line
⟹ O is the point of intersection.
Multiple Line Intersection
There can be multiple lines which can intersect at the same point.
(i) Three Lines Intersection
Below image is of three lines intersecting at common point O
(ii) Four Line Intersection
Below image is of four lines intersecting at common point O
Hence, there is no limit on number of intersection lines.
You can intersect as many lines as it seems possible to draw cleanly on paper.
Angle of Intersection
The angle at which the two lines intersect is called Angle of Intersection.
To find the angle of intersection, check the angle made by two lines at the point of intersection
The angle of intersection can be anywhere between 0 to 180 degrees.
Some examples are shown below:
Example 01
In the above figure, line l1 and l2 intersect at point O.
Note there are two angles shown in the above image; 53 and 127 degree.
Both the angles are known as angle of intersection.
The difference is that:
⟹ 127 degree is the angle measurement from line l1 to l2
⟹ 53 degree is the angle measurement from line l2 to l1
Note: Always remember there are two angle of intersection. Just understand the location of the angles with respect to the lines drawn.
Example 02
In the above image, line M & N are intersecting at point O at 90 degrees.
The two angles of intersection are:
90 degree ⟹ angle measured from M to N
90 degree ⟹ angle measured from N to M
Example 03
Given above are two lines M & N intersecting at point O
The angles of intersection are:
60 degree ⟹ angle measured from M to N
120 degree ⟹ angle measured from N to M
Angle Property of Intersecting Lines
(a) In two intersecting lines, the vertically opposite angles are equal
In the above image, two lines intersect each other at point O.
Here the two angles \angle AON\ and\ \angle COB are vertically opposite and are equal in measure.
Hence
\angle AON\ = \angle COB\ = 50 degree
Similar is the case for other two angles
The other two angles \angle AOC\ and\ \angle BON are vertically opposite angles and are equal in measure.
Hence;
\angle AOC\ = \angle BON\ = 130 degree
Conclusion:
When two lines intersect, two sets of vertically opposite angles are formed which are equal in measure.
(b) When lines intersect at common point, the sum of all angle formed is exactly equal to 360 degree
If you take the above discussed image and add all the angles you will get:
⟹ 50 + 130 + 50 + 130
⟹ 360 degree
Example 02
Observe the above image.
Using the concept of vertically opposite angles, we infer that:
\angle AOP\ = \angle BOQ\ = 54 degree
\angle AON\ = \angle COB\ = 66 degree
\angle NOQ\ = \angle POC\ = 60 degree
Adding all the angles, we will get:
⟹ 54 + 60 + 66 + 54 + 60 +66
⟹ 360 degree
Intersection at more than one Points
Till now we have seen examples of line intersection at one point.
But if there are more than two lines, it is possible to have more than one intersection point.
In the above image there are three lines L, M and N
Line M & N intersect at common point O
But line L do the intersection away from point O
⟹ Line L intersect N at point X
⟹ Line L intersect M at point Y
Hence, there are multiple intersection points in the above image.
Then what about the angles made? Will they show same property discussed above?
Yes, the same angle property can be applied here.
Taking each point of intersection as a separate case and applying the angle property as discussed above
Intersection point O
Using the Property of Vertically Opposite Angles
\angle 1\ = \angle 2\
\angle 3\ = \angle 4\
Intersection point X
Again using vertically opposite angle concept
\angle 5\ = \angle 6\
\angle 7\ = \angle 8\
Intersection point Y
Again using vertically opposite angle concept
\angle 9\ = \angle 10\
\angle 11\ = \angle 12\
Hence, each point of intersection follow the angle property discussed above.
Questions on Intersecting Lines
(01) Find angle b in the below image
Line L & M are intersecting at point O
We know that Vertically Opposite Angles are equal
⟹ \angle a\ =\ \angle b
⟹ \angle a\ = 105 degree
(02) Find angle c in the below image
We know that M is a straight line.
Hence angle on M will add up to 180 degree
⟹ \angle a\ + \angle c\ = 180
⟹ \angle c\ = 180 – 100
⟹ \angle c\ = 80
(03) In the below image, line M & N are parallel lines intersected by line L.
Observe the below image and find angle b
⟹ \angle a\ = 97 degree {Vertically Opposite Angle}
Since line M & N are parallel;
⟹ \angle a\ = \angle b\ {Corresponding angles}
Hence, \angle b\ = 97 degree