Instructions
Welcome, Math Explorer! A coordinate grid is like a map for numbers. It has a horizontal number line (the x-axis) and a vertical number line (the y-axis). Where they cross is called the origin, which is the point (0, 0).
We find places on the grid using an ordered pair like (x, y). The first number (x) tells you how far to move left or right. The second number (y) tells you how far to move up or down. Always remember to "walk along the hall (x-axis) before you go up or down the stairs (y-axis)"!
Part 1: Objective Questions
- The vertical axis on the coordinate grid is called the:
A) x-axis B) y-axis C) origin - In the ordered pair (-4, 8), which number represents the movement on the x-axis?
A) -4 B) 8 C) Both - Which of the following points is located on the y-axis?
A) (5, 5) B) (7, 0) C) (0, 3) - If you start at the origin (0,0), how would you plot the point (5, -2)?
A) Move 5 units left, then 2 units up. B) Move 5 units right, then 2 units down. C) Move 2 units right, then 5 units down. - The four sections of a coordinate grid are called:
A) Squares B) Areas C) Quadrants - Matching: Match the description on the left with the correct ordered pair on the right. Write the correct letter in the blank.
| Description | Ordered Pair |
| 6. _____ A point in Quadrant I. | A. (-1, -5) |
| 7. _____ A point in Quadrant IV. | B. (6, 2) |
| 8. _____ A point on the x-axis. | C. (0, 0) |
| 9. _____ A point in Quadrant III. | D. (-4, 0) |
| 10. ____ The origin. | E. (3, -3) |
Part 2: What are the Coordinates?
Look at the grid below. Five points (A, B, C, D, E) have been plotted for you. Write the correct ordered pair for each point.
| 5 | ||||||||||
| 4 | A | |||||||||
| 3 | B | |||||||||
| 2 | ||||||||||
| 1 | D | |||||||||
| 0 | -5 | -4 | -3 | -2 | -1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| -1 | ||||||||||
| -2 | E | |||||||||
| -3 | ||||||||||
| -4C | ||||||||||
| -5 |
- Point A:
- Point B:
- Point C:
- Point D:
- Point E:
Part 3: Plot the Points!
Now it's your turn to be the cartographer! On the blank grid below, plot the following points by writing the letter in the correct square.
- 16. M = (2, 3)
- 17. A = (-4, 1)
- 18. T = (-3, -5)
- 19. H = (5, -2)
- 20. S = (0, -4)
| 5 | ||||||||||
| 4 | ||||||||||
| 3 | ||||||||||
| 2 | ||||||||||
| 1 | ||||||||||
| 0 | -5 | -4 | -3 | -2 | -1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| -1 | ||||||||||
| -2 | ||||||||||
| -3 | ||||||||||
| -4 | ||||||||||
| -5 |
Answer Key
Part 1: Objective Questions
- B) y-axis
- A) -4
- C) (0, 3)
- B) Move 5 units right, then 2 units down.
- C) Quadrants
- B (6, 2) is in Quadrant I (+,+).
- E (3, -3) is in Quadrant IV (+,-).
- D (-4, 0) is on the x-axis.
- A (-1, -5) is in Quadrant III (-,-).
- C (0, 0) is the origin.
Part 2: What are the Coordinates?
- Point A: (0, 4)
- Point B: (-4, 3)
- Point C: (-5, -4)
- Point D: (4, 1)
- Point E: (2, -2)
Part 3: Plot the Points! (Questions 16-20)
The filled-in grid should look like this:
| 5 | ||||||||||
| 4 | ||||||||||
| 3 | M | |||||||||
| 2 | ||||||||||
| 1 | A | |||||||||
| 0 | -5 | -4 | -3 | -2 | -1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| -1 | ||||||||||
| -2 | H | |||||||||
| -3 | ||||||||||
| -4 | S | |||||||||
| -5 | T |