Ordinate

Definition

The ordinate is the vertical coordinate in a rectangular coordinate system, representing the y-axis. It specifies the position of a point along the vertical axis, perpendicular to the horizontal x-axis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ordinate, or y-coordinate, represents the vertical position of a point on the coordinate plane.
2. The ordinate is measured upwards from the x-axis, with positive values above the x-axis and negative values below.
3. Together, the abscissa (x-coordinate) and ordinate (y-coordinate) uniquely identify the location of a point on the coordinate plane.
4. The ordinate is essential for describing the position of an object or data point in a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system.
5. Ordered pairs, such as (x, y), are used to specify the location of a point, with the ordinate (y-value) listed second.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the ordinate in a rectangular coordinate system.
  • The ordinate, or y-coordinate, is the vertical axis in a rectangular coordinate system. It represents the position of a point along the vertical dimension, perpendicular to the horizontal x-axis. The ordinate, along with the abscissa (x-coordinate), allows for the unique identification of a point's location within the two-dimensional coordinate plane. The ordinate is essential for describing the vertical position of an object or data point in this Cartesian coordinate system.
• Describe how the ordinate is used to locate points in a coordinate plane.
  • In a Cartesian coordinate system, the ordinate (y-coordinate) is used in conjunction with the abscissa (x-coordinate) to specify the location of a point. The ordinate represents the vertical position of the point, measured upwards from the x-axis. Positive ordinate values indicate points above the x-axis, while negative values indicate points below. Together, the ordered pair (x, y) uniquely identifies the position of a point on the two-dimensional coordinate plane, with the ordinate value listed second.
• Analyze the significance of the ordinate in the context of graphing and data visualization.
  • The ordinate, or y-axis, plays a crucial role in graphing and data visualization within a rectangular coordinate system. It allows for the representation of dependent variables, or values that change in relation to the independent variable on the x-axis. The ordinate provides a scale to measure the vertical, or quantitative, aspect of the data being plotted. This enables the effective visualization of trends, patterns, and relationships between the variables being studied. The ordinate is essential for interpreting and analyzing the information presented in two-dimensional graphs and charts.

Related terms

Abscissa:

The abscissa is the horizontal coordinate in a rectangular coordinate system, representing the x-axis. It specifies the position of a point along the horizontal axis.

Cartesian Coordinate System: A Cartesian coordinate system is a two-dimensional plane defined by the intersection of the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical), used to locate points in space.

Quadrant:

A quadrant is one of the four equal sections of a coordinate plane, formed by the intersection of the x-axis and y-axis.