What characteristic do parallel lines have?

Parallel lines are characterized by having equal slopes but different y-intercepts. This means that they run in the same direction and will never meet, regardless of how far they are extended. The equal slopes ensure that the lines maintain a consistent distance apart from each other across their entire length. However, the different y-intercepts indicate that while they are parallel, they are not on the same line; they are offset vertically.

Understanding parallel lines is essential in many areas of mathematics, including geometry and algebra. When graphing, recognizing that two lines are parallel helps in predicting their behavior and relationships on the coordinate plane. For example, if two lines were to intersect (as described in other choices), they would not be considered parallel, as they would meet at a certain point, which alters their defining characteristics.