Geometry
(Video)
The coordinate plane is a flat surface that is divided by two number lines into four quadrants. The horizontal line is called the x-axis, and the vertical line is called the y-axis.
These resources are part of KET's Measurement and Geometry collection.
This video segment originally appeared in KET’s GED Connection series.
The coordinate plane is a flat surface that is divided by two lines into four quadrants. The horizontal line is called the x-axis, and the vertical line is called the y-axis. These two axis lines intersect at right (90o) angles.
The x-axis and the y-axis are marked as number lines with both positive and negative numbers, so the coordinate plane looks like a grid. The positive numbers lie to the right on the x-axis and upward on the y-axis. The point where the lines intersect is called the origin. The origin is located at zero on both number lines.
Every point on the grid has an address, called an ordered pair, which gives the coordinates for a point on the plane. An ordered pair is always given in the order (x,y). The x-coordinate defines the position of the point on the x-axis. The y-coordinate defines the position of the point on the y-axis.
Draw a coordinate plane grid on the board. Ask, “Where would you plot a point with two negative coordinates? Two positive? A negative and a positive? A positive and a negative?”
Have learners work with a partner. One person will write down an ordered pair and the other will plot the point on the coordinate plane.
Draw a coordinate grid on the board. Divide your leaners into two teams. Call out ordered pairs and have teams confer to decide where to plot the points. The first team that agrees will send a representative to the board to plot the point. Keep score and see which team wins!
Bring in or download several city maps. Have learners divide the maps into four equal sections by folding or by drawing a horizontal and a vertical line. Then have them draw more lines to form a grid. Give them addresses of local businesses and restaurants. Ask them to plot the addresses on the grid and report the coordinates.
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