Coordinate Plane

The coordinate plane, or Cartesian plane, is formed by two perpendicular number lines: a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis.

These axes intersect at the origin—the point where both values are zero—dividing the plane into four labeled quadrants.

An ordered pair of coordinates represents every location in the plane. The first number indicates the position along the x-axis, and the second shows the position on the y-axis.

Coordinates function like an address system, uniquely identifying each point in the plane.

For example, a point with the coordinates (2, 3) lies two units to the right and three units above the origin.

All points with positive x-values lie to the right of the y-axis, and those with negative x-values lie to the left. A horizontal line represents points sharing the same y-value, and a vertical line shows points with the same x-value—whether positive or negative.

The coordinate system has real-world applications. For example, drones rely on it to follow precise flight paths and reach specific locations.