Review: Plotting Points in the First Quadrant
The first quadrant of the coordinate plane is formed by the x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical), intersecting at the origin (0, 0). Every point is an ordered pair (x, y) where x measures horizontal distance right and y measures vertical distance up. To plot (4, 5): move 4 right, then 5 up. This prerequisite skill from Reveal Math, Course 1, Module 1 gives 6th graders the coordinate foundation needed for graphing ratios, rates, and all other proportional relationships.
Key Concepts
The first quadrant of the coordinate plane is formed by a horizontal number line called the $x$ axis and a vertical number line called the $y$ axis that intersect at the origin , $(0, 0)$.
An ordered pair $(x, y)$ represents a specific point on this plane: The $x$ coordinate (first number) indicates the horizontal distance to the right of the origin. The $y$ coordinate (second number) indicates the vertical distance up from the $x$ axis.
Common Questions
What is the first quadrant of the coordinate plane?
The first quadrant is the upper-right region where both x and y values are positive or zero. It is formed by the positive x-axis and positive y-axis meeting at the origin.
How do I plot an ordered pair in the first quadrant?
Start at the origin (0, 0). Move right by the x-coordinate, then move up by the y-coordinate, and mark the point.
What does the origin represent on a coordinate plane?
The origin is the point (0, 0) where the x-axis and y-axis intersect. It is the starting point for plotting all ordered pairs.
How is (3, 0) different from (0, 3) on a graph?
The point (3, 0) is 3 units to the right on the x-axis with no vertical movement. The point (0, 3) is 3 units straight up on the y-axis with no horizontal movement.
Why do ratio graphs only use the first quadrant?
Ratios use only positive quantities, so the related graphs only have positive x and y values. All those values fall in the first quadrant.
When do 6th graders review first quadrant plotting?
Module 1 of Reveal Math, Course 1 reviews first quadrant plotting as a foundation for graphing ratios and rates.