- Definition
Parallel lines are like two straight roads that run side-by-side forever without ever meeting or crossing.
The two rails of a straight train track are parallel because they stay the same distance apart and will never cross.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: Parallel lines are like train tracks that run side-by-side forever and never, ever cross.
Ask your child: Where can you spot some parallel lines right here in this room?
Common mix-up: Students might think any lines that don't touch on the page are parallel. The key idea is that parallel lines must always be the same distance apart, so they would never meet even if they went on forever.
Examples
- The lines on a sheet of notebook paper are parallel.
- The opposite sides of a rectangular window frame.
parallel lines is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
