Definition:Orthogonal (Analytic Geometry)

Definition

Orthogonal Curves

Two curves are orthogonal if they intersect at right angles.

The term perpendicular can also be used, but the latter term is usual when the intersecting lines are straight.

Also known as

Two objects that are orthogonal are often seen described as perpendicular.

However, the latter usually used where those objects are straight lines or planes.

Also see

• Results about orthogonality in the context of Geometry can be found here.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): orthogonal
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): orthogonal