Key ideas
Reading a point
Go along the x-axis first, then up or down.
(3, 5): 3 along, 5 up.
"Along the corridor, then up the stairs."
Four quadrants
Left of the y-axis, x is negative.
Below the x-axis, y is negative.
The origin is (0, 0).
Completing a shape
Use the properties of the shape: equal sides, parallel sides, right angles.
Count the squares across and up between corners.
Reading coordinates
Write down the coordinates of point P.(1 mark)
Along, then up.4 along, 2 upP = (4, 2)✓1
In plain EnglishStart at the origin. Count along the x-axis to the point, then up.
⚠ A common mistake: writing (2, 4). Always x first: along, then up.
Plotting coordinates
Plot the point Q (1, 5).(1 mark)
Along 1, up 5.Mark it with a small cross or dot and label it✓1
In plain EnglishThe first number tells you how far to go along the x-axis, and the second tells you how far up. Go along 1, then up 5.
All four quadrants: reading
Write down the coordinates of R and S.(2 marks)
R: left and up.3 left, 1 up: R = (−3, 1)✓1
In plain EnglishLeft of the y-axis is negative.
S: right and down.2 right, 4 down: S = (2, −4)✓2
In plain EnglishBelow the x-axis is negative.
All four quadrants: plotting
Plot T (−2, −3).(1 mark)
Left 2, down 3.Along to −2, then down to −3✓1
In plain EnglishThe x-coordinate is −2: move left. The y-coordinate is −3: move down.
Completing a shape
A(1, 1), B(5, 1) and C(5, 4) are three corners of a rectangle ABCD. Find D.(2 marks)
Use the sides.AB goes 4 right. So DC must also be 4 long, and AD must go straight up like BC.✓1
In plain EnglishOpposite sides of a rectangle are equal and parallel.
Find D.D = (1, 4)✓2
In plain EnglishD is above A and level with C.
0 of 0 complete
Your turn
For plotting questions, tap the grid (tap again to remove a point), or type the points. Use a minus sign for negative coordinates. Stuck? Tap Need a hint?