Grade: Grade 5 Subject: Mathematics Unit: Coordinate Plane SAT: Geometry+Trigonometry ACT: Math

Plotting Points

Learn to navigate the coordinate plane like a map! Every point has an exact address written as (x, y).

What is a Coordinate Plane?

A Map for Math

The coordinate plane is a flat surface with two number lines that cross at right angles. It lets us describe the exact position of any point!

X-Axis
The horizontal line (left-right)
Y-Axis
The vertical line (up-down)
Origin
The point (0, 0) where axes meet
Ordered Pair
Two numbers (x, y) that locate a point
x y (0,0)
Think of it like: A city map where streets run east-west (x) and north-south (y). Every address has two numbers - one for each direction!

Understanding Ordered Pairs

Every point on the coordinate plane is described by an ordered pair written as (x, y).

The Structure of an Ordered Pair

(3, 5)

  • First number (x): How far to go left or right from the origin
  • Second number (y): How far to go up or down from there

Memory Trick: "Run, then Jump!"

X comes first - RUN along the ground (left/right)
Y comes second - JUMP up (or down)

Why "Ordered"? Because the order matters! (3, 5) is NOT the same as (5, 3). They're completely different points!

How to Plot a Point

Let's plot the point (4, 3)

1 Start at the origin (0, 0)

Always begin at the center where the axes cross.

2 Move along the x-axis first

The x-value is 4, so move 4 units to the RIGHT.

3 Then move along the y-axis

The y-value is 3, so move 3 units UP.

4 Mark the point

Put a dot where you land - that's (4, 3)!

x y
(4, 3)

More Examples

Example Points
x y
A (2, 4)
B (5, 1)
C (0, 3)
D (3, 0)
  • Point A (2, 4): Right 2, up 4
  • Point B (5, 1): Right 5, up 1
  • Point C (0, 3): Don't move right, up 3 (on y-axis)
  • Point D (3, 0): Right 3, don't move up (on x-axis)
Special Cases:
  • If x = 0, the point is ON the y-axis
  • If y = 0, the point is ON the x-axis
  • If both = 0, you're at the origin!

Interactive Point Plotter

Enter coordinates and see where the point lands!

Plot Your Own Point

x y (0,0)

Practice Problems

Test your coordinate skills! Click the correct answer.

Problem 1: Plot (3, 2)

Starting at the origin, which direction do you move FIRST?

Problem 2: Identify the Point

A point is 4 units right and 5 units up from the origin. What is its ordered pair?

Problem 3: On the Axis

The point (0, 6) is located on which axis?

Problem 4: Compare Points

Are (2, 5) and (5, 2) the same point?

Problem 5: The Origin

What is the ordered pair for the origin?

Problem 6: Reading Coordinates

In the ordered pair (7, 3), what does the 7 represent?

Check Your Understanding

In an ordered pair (x, y), which coordinate do you use first?

The x-axis runs in which direction?

If a point has y = 0, where is it located?

What We Learned

📍

Ordered Pairs

(x, y) - x first, then y

➡️

X-Axis

Horizontal line, move left/right

⬆️

Y-Axis

Vertical line, move up/down

🎯

Origin

(0, 0) - where axes meet

Remember: "Run, then Jump!"

X = Run (horizontal) first, Y = Jump (vertical) second

Next Steps

  • Practice plotting points on graph paper
  • Try creating simple pictures by connecting points
  • Look for coordinate grids in maps and games
  • Move on to learn about patterns on the coordinate plane!