Coordinate plane

Definition

A coordinate plane is a two-dimensional surface on which points are plotted and located by their coordinates. It consists of an x-axis (horizontal) and a y-axis (vertical) that intersect at the origin (0,0).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The coordinate plane is divided into four quadrants.
2. Parabolas can be graphed on the coordinate plane using their vertex and axis of symmetry.
3. The equation of a parabola in standard form is $y = ax^2 + bx + c$ or $x = ay^2 + by + c$.
4. The distance formula and midpoint formula are useful tools for analyzing points on the coordinate plane.
5. Transformations such as translations, reflections, and rotations can be applied to parabolas on the coordinate plane.

Review Questions

• What are the coordinates of the vertex for the parabola $y = ax^2 + bx + c$?
• How do you determine in which quadrant a point lies?
• What is the significance of the origin in a coordinate plane?

Related terms

Quadrant: One of the four sections of a coordinate plane, each bounded by half-axes.

Origin: The point where the x-axis and y-axis intersect, denoted as (0,0).

Vertex: The highest or lowest point on a parabola, where it changes direction.