What are coordinates?
A grid has two number lines. The one going across is the x-axis (horizontal). The one going up is the y-axis (vertical). They meet at the origin, written (0, 0).
Key idea
A coordinate is written as (x, y). The first number tells you how far to move across (right). The second number tells you how far to move up.
Reading and plotting a point
To read a point, count across first, then up, and write the two numbers inside brackets with a comma between them. To plot a point, start at the origin, move right, then move up, and mark a small dot. Coordinates help us describe exactly where something is, like a seat in a hall or a spot on a map.
Worked example
Where is point P at (3, 2)? Start at (0, 0). Move 3 steps right, then 2 steps up. That is point P. So the x-value is 3 and the y-value is 2. Point Q at (2, 3) is a different place, because the order of the numbers is swapped.
Remember
- Across first, then up: (across, up).
- The origin is (0, 0).
- A point on the x-axis has y = 0, like (5, 0).