Oblique lines, when crossed, generate angles that do not measure 90º.
Before proceeding to discover the meaning of the term oblique line , it is necessary that we determine the etymological origin of the two words that give it shape. Both come from Latin as we can see below:
-Recta derives from "rectus", which can be translated as "right" and which, in turn, emanates from the verb "regere", which is synonymous with "straighten".
-Oblicua, for its part, has its origin in "obliquus", which is made up of two different parts: "ob", which is equivalent to "towards", and "liquis", which means "inclined".
Straight lines are one-dimensional lines that are made up of an infinite number of points. These points follow one another in the same direction. Oblique , for its part, is an adjective that refers to something inclined.
What is an oblique line
An oblique line is one that, when intersecting another line, creates an angle that does not measure 90º (that is, it is not a right angle). The angles created by oblique lines, on the other hand, are not equal (they do not measure the same).
Oblique lines are part of the set of secant lines . These lines are those that have a point in common: lines without points in common, on the other hand, are called parallel .
Oblique lines are secants: they have points in common.
Differences with perpendiculars
Within the secant lines, we can distinguish between perpendicular lines and oblique lines . The perpendicular lines, when crossed, form four right angles. Oblique lines, as we mentioned above, give rise to angles that are not equal and do not measure 90º.
It is important to highlight that these classifications of the lines are exclusive. Two lines that are oblique cannot be perpendicular and vice versa. It can happen, however, that one line is oblique to another and perpendicular to a third. For example: line a can be oblique to line b and perpendicular to line c .
Other characteristics of oblique lines
In addition to everything stated above, we cannot ignore the existence of another series of characteristics and properties that are associated with oblique lines. Specifically, the following stand out:
-Oblique straight lines are created at different points but then end up joining together to form obtuse and acute angles.
-The perpendicular that is drawn in relation to the aforementioned obliques is always less than those.
-We must not forget either that the obliques are considered equal when they have the same distance from the foot of the perpendicular drawn.
-In the event that these straight lines that concern us have a different distance at the foot of the perpendicular, it is considered that the distance that moves away is greater.
A type of projection
Known as oblique projection , on the other hand, are those projections that use auxiliary projecting lines that are oblique to the plane of projection . In this way, all the points of the element that is projected have a relationship with the points of the projected element.
It must be emphasized that oblique projection has become a fundamental element in numerous fields, such as technical drawing and even in the work of illustration professionals. However, we must not forget that it is also frequently used in the field of video games.