Parallel lines run in the same direction and never meet, staying exactly the same distance apart forever. On a graph they have equal slopes, which is the algebraic test for them.
Math Dictionary / Parallel Lines
Parallel Lines
Parallel lines are lines in the same plane that never intersect.
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What it means
They stay the same distance apart.
Also called: same-direction lines
Examples
| Railroad tracks can model parallel lines |
| Horizontal lines y = 2 and y = 5 are parallel |
| Parallel lines have the same slope |
Common mistake
Lines that look close to parallel must have the same direction and never meet.
Try one
Question: Do parallel lines intersect?
Show answer
No.