Locating Points on X, Y Plane

The coordinate plane is a two-dimensional plane formed when the x-axis (running horizontally - left/right) intersects with the y-axis (running vertically - up/down).

The x-axis and y-axis intersect at a point called the ORIGIN. Each point on the coordinate plane can be represented by an ordered pair (x.y), which states the coordinate location of each point. The origin is located at (0,0).

This intersection also creates four quadrants where points can be plotted.

To name quadrants, begin at the top right, where all the positive values of x and y are located.

This is Quadrant I. To name the others, move in a counterclockwise rotation.

Although two coordinates are given for an ordered pair, a series of these two movements results in one plotted point.

First, follow the x to move left/right, and then follow the y to move up/down.