What are horizontal and vertical lines?
Straight lines can be drawn in any direction.
Horizontal lines go left and right.
Vertical lines go up and down.
Parallel lines are a fixed distance apart and will never meet, no matter how long they are extended.
Perpendicular lines are created when a vertical and horizontal line meet.
Activity: Horizontal and vertical lines
Complete this interactive activity to better understand horizontal and vertical lines. Then put your knowledge to the test.
Types of lines
Image caption, Vertical line
A vertical line is a straight line that goes up and down, or top to bottom.
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Example 1
True or false? John has painted a horizontal line.
✓False.
This is a vertical line.
A horizontal line is drawn from right to left, or left to right.
Example 2
How could you describe the lines on this t-shirt?
✓Parallel lines.
Parallel lines are the same distance apart and will never cross.
Example 3
How could you describe the lines that the roads on this junction make?
✓Perpendicular lines.
Perpendicular lines are when lines meet and create right angles.
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