Question

How many points are needed to determine a line?

Short answer

To determine a line in two-dimensional space, 2 distinct points are needed.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the concept of a line in 2D

A line in a two-dimensional space is determined by its direction and one point through which it passes. By knowing a direction and a point, one can identify a unique line in the space.

Number of points to determine a line

To exactly define a line in a two-dimensional plane, two distinct points are needed, because they provide both a specific direction (defined by the slope difference in y-coordinates divided by the difference in x-coordinates of the two points) for the line and a point that lies on the line.