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The Coordinate Plane
An ordered pair (x, y) locates a point by moving horizontally by x and vertically by y.
How it works
An ordered pair (x, y) locates a point by moving horizontally by x and vertically by y. Name the quantities before calculating, keep each transformation logically equivalent, and check the result against the original conditions.
Worked example
Which quadrant contains (−4, 3)?
- The x-coordinate is negative, so move left.
- The y-coordinate is positive, so move up.
- Left and up is Quadrant II.
The point lies in Quadrant II.
Try it now
These questions come from the same validated skill generator used by the game.
Common mistakes
- Using a remembered formula without identifying what each symbol represents.
- Changing a value or condition during an intermediate step.
- Skipping the final substitution, estimate, or logical check.
Challenge
Plot one point in each quadrant with the same distance from the origin.
Questions learners ask
What is the key idea in the coordinate plane?
An ordered pair (x, y) locates a point by moving horizontally by x and vertically by y.
How should I check an answer?
Substitute it into the original conditions, check units and signs, and decide whether its size is reasonable.