Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Perpendicular refers to two lines or vectors that intersect at a right angle (90 degrees), creating 90-degree angles between their respective components.
Related terms
Parallel: Parallel lines or vectors never intersect; they remain equidistant throughout their entire length.
Angle Bisector: An angle bisector divides an angle into two equal parts, each measuring half its original size.
Right Triangle: A right triangle is a triangle that contains one 90-degree angle. The other two angles are acute, meaning they are less than 90 degrees.