Cartesian Coordinate System
This Grade 6 algebra skill from Yoshiwara Elementary Algebra introduces the Cartesian coordinate system. Students learn to identify the x-axis, y-axis, origin, and four quadrants, and practice plotting and reading ordered pairs to locate points on the coordinate plane.
Key Concepts
Property To make a graph that includes negative values, we construct a Cartesian coordinate system. We draw two perpendicular number lines for the horizontal and vertical axes. The horizontal axis is called the $x$ axis and the vertical axis is the $y$ axis. The two axes divide the plane into four quadrants. The axes intersect at the origin, which has coordinates $(0, 0)$.
Examples To plot the point $(4, 3)$, we start at the origin, move 4 units to the right along the x axis, and then 3 units up. This point is in the first quadrant where both coordinates are positive.
The point $( 5, 2)$ is located 5 units to the left of the y axis and 2 units above the x axis. It lies in the second quadrant.
Common Questions
What is the Cartesian coordinate system?
The Cartesian coordinate system is a 2D grid formed by a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis intersecting at the origin. Points are located using ordered pairs.
What are the four quadrants?
Quadrant I is top right, Quadrant II is top left, Quadrant III is bottom left, and Quadrant IV is bottom right, based on the signs of x and y coordinates.
How do you plot a point on the coordinate plane?
Start at the origin, move right or left by the x-value, then up or down by the y-value.
What is an ordered pair?
An ordered pair specifies a point location as two numbers: x-coordinate and y-coordinate.
Where is this taught?
The Cartesian coordinate system is introduced in the Yoshiwara Elementary Algebra textbook for Grade 6.