Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Mathematics Practice Exam

What characterizes lines that do not meet at any point?

1. They are coincident

2. They are parallel

3. They intersect

4. They are vertical

The correct answer is: They are parallel

Lines that do not meet at any point are characterized as parallel lines. This means that they are always the same distance apart and will never intersect, regardless of how far they are extended in either direction. Parallel lines have the same slope, which ensures they maintain a constant distance from each other and never cross. In the context of the other options, coincident lines refer to lines that lie on top of one another, meaning they intersect at an infinite number of points. Intersecting lines, by definition, cross at one or more points. Vertical lines can be either parallel or intersecting, depending on their placement; for example, two vertical lines that are not in the same location will be parallel. Thus, the distinguishing feature of parallel lines is their consistent separation that prevents any points of intersection.