What You Need to Know

A coordinate grid has a horizontal axis (x) and a vertical axis (y)

Coordinates are written as an ordered pair (x, y) — across first, then up

The origin is the point (0, 0) where the two axes meet

Coordinates can be used to plot points, describe locations, and give directions on maps

Key Vocabulary

A number (or pair of numbers) that gives a position on a grid

Two numbers in a set order (x, y) used to describe a point on a grid

The starting point (0, 0) where the x-axis and y-axis cross

A reference line on a graph or grid (horizontal = x-axis; vertical = y-axis)

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

On a coordinate grid, the point (3, 5) is located:

3 units across and 5 units up 5 units across and 3 units up 3 units down and 5 units right 8 units from the origin

Question 2

What are the coordinates of the origin?

(1, 1) (0, 0) (1, 0) (0, 1)

Question 3

A treasure map shows treasure at (4, 2). Starting from the origin, which path reaches the treasure?

Move 2 right then 4 up Move 4 up then 2 right Move 4 right then 2 up Move 6 in any direction