Mastering the coordinate plane: A beginner's guide to axes and origin.

📚 Introduction to the Coordinate Plane

The coordinate plane is a two-dimensional plane formed by two perpendicular number lines: the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical). It's used to locate points in space. Think of it like a map where each location has a unique address.

🧭 Understanding the Axes

• ➡️ The X-Axis: This is the horizontal number line. Values to the right of the origin are positive, and values to the left are negative.
• ⬆️ The Y-Axis: This is the vertical number line. Values above the origin are positive, and values below are negative.
• 📐 Quadrants: The axes divide the plane into four regions called quadrants. They are numbered I, II, III, and IV, starting from the top right and going counter-clockwise.

📍 The Origin: Your Starting Point

The origin is the point where the x-axis and y-axis intersect. Its coordinates are (0, 0). It's your reference point for locating any other point on the plane.

🔢 Coordinates: Finding Your Way

Each point on the coordinate plane is represented by an ordered pair of numbers, called coordinates. The first number is the x-coordinate (also called the abscissa), and the second number is the y-coordinate (also called the ordinate). We write this as (x, y).

For example, the point (3, 2) is located 3 units to the right of the origin and 2 units above the origin.

✍️ Plotting Points: Putting it into Practice

To plot a point (x, y) on the coordinate plane:

1. Start at the origin (0, 0).
2. Move x units horizontally. If x is positive, move to the right. If x is negative, move to the left.
3. Move y units vertically. If y is positive, move up. If y is negative, move down.
4. Place a dot at that location.

➕ Example

Let's plot the points A(2, 3), B(-1, 4), C(-3, -2), and D(4, -1).

📝 Practice Quiz

Identify the coordinates of the following points plotted on the coordinate plane: