Coordinates in the first quadrant

​​In a nutshell

Coordinates show the location of a point against the $$x$$​ and $$y$$​ axis. They can be plotted on a graph which has four corners called quadrants. The first quadrant is in the upper right side of a graph. Here both the $$x$$​ and $$y$$​ values of the coordinates will be positive numbers. 

Positions on a graph

Graphs and coordinates have specific features:

Plotting points

The first number in a coordinate shows the value on the $$x$$ axis. The second number in a coordinate shows the value on the $$y$$ axis. So, to find a coordinate "follow the corridor and go up the stairs".

Example 1

Plot the point ​$$P (2,5)$$.

Note: Coordinates can be plotted on a graph with a dot or a cross. 

Identifying points in the first quadrant

You also need to find the coordinates of a point on a graph. Follow a point down to the $$x$$ axis for the first coordinate and across to the $$y$$ axis for the second coordinate. ​

Example 2

Use the grid below to identify the coordinates for points $$A$$​, $$B$$​ and $$C$$.

​$$\underline{A: (1,2)}$$

$$\underline{B :(3,2)}$$

$$\underline{C :(3,4)}$$

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Note: Coordinates on the same horizontal line have the same $$y$$ value. Coordinates on the same vertical line have the same $$x$$ value.