A coordinate pair is a set of two numbers that represent the location of a point on a two-dimensional coordinate plane. The two numbers, often denoted as (x, y), specify the horizontal and vertical positions of the point, respectively.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The x-coordinate in a coordinate pair represents the horizontal position, while the y-coordinate represents the vertical position.
Coordinate pairs are used to graph and locate points on a coordinate plane, which is essential for understanding relations and functions.
The first coordinate (x) is always listed before the second coordinate (y) when writing a coordinate pair.
Coordinate pairs can be used to describe the endpoints of a line segment or the vertices of a polygon.
Negative coordinate pairs represent points in the left or bottom half of the coordinate plane.
Review Questions
How are coordinate pairs used to represent the location of points on a coordinate plane?
Coordinate pairs are used to specify the exact position of a point on a two-dimensional coordinate plane. The first number (x-coordinate) represents the horizontal position, while the second number (y-coordinate) represents the vertical position. By using an ordered pair of numbers, such as (3, 4), you can uniquely identify the location of a point on the coordinate plane.
Explain how the Cartesian coordinate system relates to the concept of coordinate pairs.
The Cartesian coordinate system is the foundation for understanding coordinate pairs. It is a two-dimensional coordinate system that uses perpendicular x and y axes to locate points in a plane. Coordinate pairs, represented as (x, y), specify the position of a point by providing the horizontal (x) and vertical (y) coordinates within this Cartesian coordinate system. The x and y axes define the frame of reference, and the coordinate pair indicates the unique location of a point relative to these axes.
Analyze how the sign and magnitude of the x and y coordinates in a coordinate pair affect the location of the point on the coordinate plane.
The sign and magnitude of the x and y coordinates in a coordinate pair determine the quadrant in which the point is located on the coordinate plane. Positive x-coordinates represent points to the right of the y-axis, while negative x-coordinates represent points to the left. Positive y-coordinates represent points above the x-axis, and negative y-coordinates represent points below the x-axis. The combination of the signs of the x and y coordinates dictates which of the four quadrants the point falls in, which is crucial for understanding the behavior of relations and functions on the coordinate plane.
Related terms
Cartesian Coordinate System: A two-dimensional coordinate system that uses perpendicular x and y axes to locate points in a plane.