Graphing Points on a Coordinate Plane
Notice that when the x and y axis cross each other, the form four sections, called the quadrants. The quadrants are numbered in a counterclockwise direction. You can think of them forming a capital C.
The locations on the coordinate plane are written as coordinate pairs. We write the x value first and then the y. (x, y)
The point (3, 5) tells us to travel to the right three spaces from the origin and then up 5 spaces.
Let's try another. (-4, -8)
We always start each point from the origin. We will move 4 to the left, because of the negative and then down 8.
Here are some tips for knowing where the point will be located:
- All of the points in the first quadrant will have a positive x and a positive y value. (+, +)
- All of the points in the second quadrant will have a negative x and a positive y value. ( -, +)
- All of the points in the third quadrant will have a negative x and a negative y value. ( - , -)
- All of the points in the fourth quadrant will have a positive x and a negative y value. (+, -)
Practice Naming Points:- All of the points in the second quadrant will have a negative x and a positive y value. ( -, +)
- All of the points in the third quadrant will have a negative x and a negative y value. ( - , -)
- All of the points in the fourth quadrant will have a positive x and a negative y value. (+, -)
When you go to name the points, be sure to always start from the origin. Then determine how far right or left you must go. This is the x value. Then you determine how far up or down you must go. This is the y value.
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