key term - Ordinate

Definition

The ordinate is the vertical coordinate of a point on a two-dimensional coordinate system. It represents the position of a point along the y-axis, which is the vertical axis perpendicular to the horizontal x-axis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ordinate is the vertical coordinate of a point on a graph, representing its position along the $y$-axis.
2. The ordinate, along with the abscissa (horizontal coordinate), uniquely identifies the location of a point in a Cartesian coordinate system.
3. In the slope-intercept form of a linear equation, $y = mx + b$, the ordinate of the $y$-intercept is represented by the value of $b$.
4. The ordinate is essential for graphing linear equations, as it determines the vertical position of the points that make up the line.
5. Analyzing the ordinates of points on a graph can provide information about the behavior and characteristics of the linear equation, such as its rate of change (slope) and $y$-intercept.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the ordinate in the Cartesian coordinate system.
  • The ordinate is the vertical coordinate of a point in a Cartesian coordinate system. It represents the position of a point along the $y$-axis, which is perpendicular to the horizontal $x$-axis. Together, the ordinate and abscissa (horizontal coordinate) uniquely identify the location of a point in the two-dimensional plane. The ordinate is essential for graphing linear equations, as it determines the vertical position of the points that make up the line.
• Describe how the ordinate is used in the slope-intercept form of a linear equation.
  • In the slope-intercept form of a linear equation, $y = mx + b$, the ordinate of the $y$-intercept is represented by the value of $b$. The $y$-intercept is the point where the line crosses the $y$-axis, and its ordinate is the $b$ value in the equation. Analyzing the ordinate of the $y$-intercept can provide information about the behavior and characteristics of the linear equation, such as its rate of change (slope) and the vertical position where the line intersects the $y$-axis.
• Evaluate the importance of the ordinate in graphing and analyzing linear equations.
  • The ordinate is crucial for graphing and analyzing linear equations. The ordinate, along with the abscissa, determines the location of points on the graph, which is essential for visualizing the behavior of the linear equation. By analyzing the ordinates of points on the graph, you can gain insights into the characteristics of the linear equation, such as its rate of change (slope) and the vertical position of the $y$-intercept. Understanding the role of the ordinate is vital for interpreting the properties of linear equations and their graphical representations.

Related terms

Abscissa:

The abscissa is the horizontal coordinate of a point on a two-dimensional coordinate system. It represents the position of a point along the x-axis.

Cartesian Coordinate System: A Cartesian coordinate system is a two-dimensional plane defined by perpendicular x and y axes, used to locate points in space by their coordinates.

Slope-Intercept Form:

The slope-intercept form of a linear equation is $y = mx + b$, where $m$ is the slope and $b$ is the $y$-intercept, representing the ordinate of the point where the line crosses the $y$-axis.