What is the order of the coordinates in an ordered pair?

x-coordinate, then y-coordinate

Describe how you would plot the ordered pair (5, -3) on a coordinate plane, starting from the origin.

Start at the origin (0,0). Move 5 units to the right along the x-axis, then move 3 units down along the y-axis.

The point will be located on the y-axis.

Grade 6th Grade · Math · 15 min

I can plot ordered pairs on a coordinate plane.

Math with Mr. J · 5:42

How to Plot Points a Coordinate Plane | Positive and Negative Coordinates | Math with Mr. J

3 key concepts

1
The x-axis on a coordinate plane is horizontal, while the y-axis is vertical.
2
When plotting points, the x coordinate always comes first, and the y coordinate always comes second in the ordered pair.
3
When plotting (4, 7), start at the origin, move right to 4 on the x-axis, and then move up to 7 on the y-axis.

3 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

Quick comprehension check

“Plot the following ordered pairs on a coordinate plane: (2, 5), (-3, 4), (0, -1), and (-2, -2).”

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