The Coordinate Plane
Year 5 students use the Cartesian coordinate system to plot and read points in the first quadrant, applying coordinates to maps and grids.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
A coordinate pair (x, y) gives the position of a point: x is the horizontal distance, y is vertical
The x-axis runs horizontally; the y-axis runs vertically; they meet at the origin (0, 0)
To plot (3, 5): move 3 units right along the x-axis, then 5 units up
Coordinates are used in maps, computer graphics, and navigation systems
Key Vocabulary
Coordinate
A pair of numbers (x, y) that pinpoints a location on a grid
Origin
The point (0, 0) where the x-axis and y-axis intersect
x-axis
The horizontal reference line on a coordinate plane
y-axis
The vertical reference line on a coordinate plane
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Point A is at (4, 2). How far right is it from the origin?
Question 2
A point is 3 units right and 7 units up from the origin. What is its coordinate?
Question 3
Two points are at (1, 4) and (5, 4). They both have the same y-value. What does this mean?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●A coordinate pair (x, y) gives the position of a point: x is the horizontal distance, y is vertical
- ●The x-axis runs horizontally; the y-axis runs vertically; they meet at the origin (0, 0)
- ●To plot (3, 5): move 3 units right along the x-axis, then 5 units up
- ●Coordinates are used in maps, computer graphics, and navigation systems