Identifying Points on the Rectangular Coordinate System

Learning Outcomes

Name the ordered pair of a point on a coordinate system

In algebra, being able to identify the coordinates of a point shown on a graph is just as important as being able to plot points. To identify the x-coordinate of a point on a graph, read the number on the x-axis directly above or below the point. To identify the y-coordinate of a point, read the number on the y-axis directly to the left or right of the point. Remember, to write the ordered pair using the correct order $\left(x,y\right)$ .

example

Name the ordered pair of each point shown:

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axis each run from -7 to 7. The point

Solution
Point A is above $-3$ on the $x\text{-axis}$ , so the $x\text{-coordinate}$ of the point is $-3$ . The point is to the left of $3$ on the $y\text{-axis}$ , so the $y\text{-coordinate}$ of the point is $3$ . The coordinates of the point are $\left(-3,3\right)$ .

Point B is below $-1$ on the $x\text{-axis}$ , so the $x\text{-coordinate}$ of the point is $-1$ . The point is to the left of $-3$ on the $y\text{-axis}$ , so the $y\text{-coordinate}$ of the point is $-3$ . The coordinates of the point are $\left(-1,-3\right)$ .

Point C is above $2$ on the $x\text{-axis}$ , so the $x\text{-coordinate}$ of the point is $2$ . The point is to the right of $4$ on the $y\text{-axis}$ , so the $y\text{-coordinate}$ of the point is $4$ . The coordinates of the point are $\left(2,4\right)$ .

Point D is below $4$ on the $x-\text{axis}$ , so the $x\text{-coordinate}$ of the point is $4$ . The point is to the right of $-4$ on the $y\text{-axis}$ , so the $y\text{-coordinate}$ of the point is $-4$ . The coordinates of the point are $\left(4,-4\right)$ .

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example

Name the ordered pair of each point shown:

The graph shows the x y-coordinate plane. The x and y-axis each run from -7 to 7. The point

Show Solution

Solution

Point A is on the x-axis at $x=-4$	The coordinates of point A are $\left(-4,0\right)$
Point B is on the y-axis at $y=-2$	The coordinates of point B are $\left(0,-2\right)$
Point C is on the x-axis at $x=3$	The coordinates of point C are $\left(3,0\right)$
Point D is on the y-axis at $y=1$	The coordinates of point D are $\left(0,1\right)$

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Watch the following video for another example of how to determine the ordered pair for points on the coordinate plane.

Module 5: Voting Theory

Learning Outcomes

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