How to plot coordinates

• A coordinate is shown using two values, separated by a comma with brackets around them.

• The values show the position on the x axis (horizontal line) and y axis (vertical line).

• A coordinate represents the exact position of a point.

The basics

Coordinates are plotted on a pair of axes and show the exact position of a point.

Each axis is labelled with a scale of numbers, like a number line.

The values can be positive or negative.

(0,0) is the point where both axes cross. It is called the origin. The position of a coordinate is shown using an X.

There are two axes:

• The x axis is left to right (horizontal)

• The y axis is bottom to top (vertical)

Let's get plotting

Plot the coordinate (2,3)

• The first number in the brackets relates to the x axis.

• The 2 means move two places to the right, along the x axis.

• The second number in the brackets relates to the y axis.

• The 3 means move three places up, along the y axis.

Plot the coordinate (-1,2)

• Remember the first number in the brackets relates to the x axis.

• The -1 means move one place, but because there is a minus sign in front of it, this time we move one place to the left, along the x axis.

• The second number in the brackets relates to the y axis.

• The 2 means move two places up, along the y axis.

Plotting multiple coordinates

A list of four coordinates can be used to represent the corners of a shape.

For example, (2,3), (3,0), (0,-1) and (-1,2) when plotted and joined together, make a square.

Coordinates can also be used to show the position of objects or places on a map.

Coordinates quiz

Test your knowledge with this quick quiz.

Where next?

Discover more about this topic from Bitesize.

Algebra