Reading Coordinates
Coordinates are used to locate a point on a grid or map. The coordinates consist of two numbers written in parentheses and separated by a comma. The first number represents the point's distance from the vertical or y-axis, while the second number represents the point's distance from the horizontal or x-axis.
Understanding the Grid
The grid is divided into four quadrants, labeled as I, II, III, and IV. The point where the x-axis and y-axis intersect is called the origin and has the coordinates (0, 0). The x-axis is the horizontal line, and the y-axis is the vertical line.
Reading Coordinates
To read coordinates, start at the origin and move horizontally (right if the number is positive, left if negative) and vertically (up if the number is positive, down if negative) to locate the point on the grid.
Study Guide
- What are coordinates used for?
- How are the x-axis and y-axis labeled on a grid?
- Explain the meaning of the coordinates (3, 4).
- Identify the quadrant in which the coordinates (-2, -5) lie.
- Locate the point with coordinates (5, -2) on a grid.
Answers
- Coordinates are used to locate a point on a grid or map.
- The x-axis is the horizontal line, and the y-axis is the vertical line.
- The coordinates (3, 4) mean that the point is 3 units to the right and 4 units up from the origin.
- The coordinates (-2, -5) lie in quadrant III.
- The point with coordinates (5, -2) is located 5 units to the right and 2 units down from the origin.
Studying and practicing reading coordinates on a grid will help you understand how to locate points and navigate maps more effectively.
