Coordinate Plane And Graphing: Math Terms Explained
Plain-language definitions of every coordinate plane and graphing term your child meets in school, each with kid-friendly explanations, worked examples, and common mistakes to watch for.
Coordinate plane
A coordinate plane is a flat grid formed by a horizontal number line and a vertical number line that cross at zero, used to locate points with ordered pairs of numbers.
Coordinates
Coordinates are ordered numbers that tell the exact location of a point on a grid, such as the coordinate plane, by giving its horizontal position and its vertical position.
Ordered pair
An ordered pair is a pair of numbers written in a set order, usually as (x, y), that names one exact point on a coordinate plane or in a table or rule.
Origin
The origin in math is the point where the x-axis and y-axis cross on a coordinate plane, with coordinates (0, 0).
Plotting points
Plotting points is placing dots at exact locations on a coordinate plane using ordered pairs, so each point shows a specific position or real-world situation.
Quadrant
A quadrant is one of the four regions of a coordinate plane, separated by the horizontal x-axis and the vertical y-axis, and labeled with Roman numerals I, II, III, and IV.
Slope-intercept form
Slope-intercept form is a way to write the equation of a straight line as y = mx + b, where m is the slope (rate of change) and b is the y-intercept (where the line crosses the y-axis).
X-axis
The x-axis is the horizontal number line on a coordinate plane, used to show left and right positions and to name the first number in an ordered pair.
Every term here links to practice activities. Create an account to get started with your child.
Get Started Free