L2 · Plotting Points in the First Quadrant

Learning goal

“I can plot a point from its ordered pair - start at the origin, move across (first number), then up (second number) - I can describe the moves for any point, and I can spot patterns in plotted points, like points that line up vertically.”

Plot — to mark a point on the grid at its ordered pair.

Grid lines — the evenly spaced lines of the grid, 1 unit apart; points sit where grid lines cross.

Intersect — to cross; the axes intersect at the origin, and a point sits where a vertical and a horizontal grid line intersect.

Position — where a point is on the grid, fully described by its ordered pair.

Worked example

Plot the point (6, 2). Step 1: Start at the origin - always. Every plot begins at (0, 0). Step 2: The first number is the across move: distance from the vertical axis = 6. Slide right along the horizontal axis to 6. Step 3: The second number is the up move: distance from the horizontal axis = 2. From 6, move straight up 2 units. Step 4: Mark the point where you stop: it sits where the vertical grid line through 6 crosses the horizontal grid line through 2. That is (6, 2). Step 5: Check by contrast: (2, 6) starts the same way but slides right only 2 and climbs 6 - a different point, high up near the left. Across first, then up; the order of the moves matches the order of the numbers. Say it plainly: plot = walk. Across (first number), then up (second number), then mark where the grid lines cross.

Check yourself — explain it

To plot (3, 7), the first move is…

Paired problem — example still visible

Describe the moves that plot (5, 5). -> Start at the origin, move 5 right, then 5 up.

Faded completion — last step is yours

"To plot (1, 8): start at the origin, move ___ right, then ___ up." -> 1; 8

Ready to practise?

10 scored questions with a 3-rung hint ladder. Mastery needs 8/10 plus both gate questions.

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