How to find the coordinates of a point on a graph (Grade 5 step-by-step).

📚 Understanding Coordinates: Your Graph GPS

In mathematics, a coordinate is like a point's address on a graph. Graphs, particularly coordinate planes, help us visualize relationships between numbers. These planes have two main axes:

• 🧭The x-axis: This is the horizontal line. Think of it as moving left or right.
• 📈The y-axis: This is the vertical line. Think of it as moving up or down.

The point where the x-axis and y-axis cross is called the origin, and its coordinates are always (0, 0).

🔢 How to Read Coordinates

Coordinates are always written in a specific order inside parentheses: (x, y). The first number is the x-coordinate, and the second number is the y-coordinate. Let's break it down:

• ⬅️x-coordinate: Tells you how far to move left or right from the origin. Positive numbers mean move right, and negative numbers mean move left.
• ⬆️y-coordinate: Tells you how far to move up or down from the origin. Positive numbers mean move up, and negative numbers mean move down.

📍 Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Coordinates

1. 👁️Look at the point: Find the point on the graph that you want to find the coordinates for.
2. ↔️Move horizontally to the x-axis: Imagine a vertical line going from the point straight down (or up) to the x-axis. Where does it hit the x-axis? That's your x-coordinate.
3. ↕️Move vertically to the y-axis: Imagine a horizontal line going from the point straight to the y-axis. Where does it hit the y-axis? That's your y-coordinate.
4. ✍️Write the coordinates: Put the x-coordinate and y-coordinate together in parentheses, with a comma in between: (x, y).

🍎 Real-World Example

Imagine a graph represents a map of a city. The origin (0,0) is City Hall. If a library is at the coordinates (3, 2), this means:

• ➡️ Move 3 blocks to the right from City Hall.
• ⬆️ Then, move 2 blocks up.

That's where the library is located!

✍️ Practice Quiz

Let's try a few! What are the coordinates of the following points on the graph?

1. Point A: (4, 1)
2. Point B: (-2, 3)
3. Point C: (0, -4)
4. Point D: (-3, -2)

See if you can plot these points on a coordinate plane: (1,3), (5,0), (-2, 1) and (-1,-4)

💡Tips and Tricks

• 🧐 Take your time: Don't rush! Double-check each coordinate to make sure you've read it correctly.
• ✏️ Use a ruler or pencil: Helps you draw those imaginary lines to the x and y-axes.
• ✅ Practice makes perfect: The more you practice, the easier it will become.