How to Plot a Point
On this page, you will learn how to set up the coordinate plane, identify parts of the plane, and plot individual points. You will also have an opportunity to practice and discuss.
In your math journal, create a 3-column chart, with the columns titled, "K, W, and L." In the K column list what you already know about coordinate planes and in the W column list what you want to learn about coordinate planes. We will return to the L column later.
As we proceed through the process of setting up and plotting points, please take notes in your math journal and jot down any questions you may still have.
In your math journal, create a 3-column chart, with the columns titled, "K, W, and L." In the K column list what you already know about coordinate planes and in the W column list what you want to learn about coordinate planes. We will return to the L column later.
As we proceed through the process of setting up and plotting points, please take notes in your math journal and jot down any questions you may still have.
Setting Up the Coordinate Plane
The first thing you need to know before you even begin to plot points is how to set up your coordinate plane.
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Parts of the Coordinate Plane
There are several important parts of the coordinate plane you need to be aware of, besides the two axes you just created:
Quadrants: A coordinate plane is split four quadrants, starting in the upper right and then moving counter-clockwise we have Quadrant I,II, III, and IV. Origin: The point where the x- and y-axes meet. It's ordered pair is (0,0). |
Ordered Pairs
To know where a point should be placed, you will need to correctly read and understand Ordered Pairs.
Ordered Pair: A pair of numbers used to locate a point on the coordinate plane. Within the ordered pairs, we have an x-coordinate and a y-coordinate. The x-coordinate tells us how far left or right the point should be from the origin and the y-coordinate tell us how far the point should be above or below the origin. To plot the point from an ordered pair on the coordinate plane:
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Video Tutorials
These videos from Kahn Academy goes over the basics of plotting points on a coordinate plane. The first focuses more on the basics of plotting points while the second moves into real-world problems. While you view the video, ask yourself, "What do I better understand about plotting points on a coordinate plane, what do I still need to learn, and how can I use coordinate planes in real life?" Click on each video to view it.
Now that you have had a chance to view the tutorials, please post your response to the following questions if the forum. Then respond to the comments of two other participants.
Practice
It's time for some practice. Head over to the two sites below by clicking on the images or copying and pasting their URLs into your browser. Both will allow you to play games while practicing plotting points on a coordinate plane. While you play, think about what questions and struggles you are still experiencing with plotting points on the coordinate plane. Also, be prepared to share any strategies that have helped you to plot the points.
Now that you have had a chance to practice, please respond to the following questions in the forum: What questions/struggles are you experiencing with plotting points and what strategies have helped you? Please respond to the comments of two other participants.