What Are Coordinate Graphs?
Coordinate graphs help us locate points in space using numbers!
A coordinate graph has two number lines that cross each other: the x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical).
Together they form a grid where we can plot points using ordered pairs like (3, 4). The first number tells
us how far to move right (positive) or left (negative) on the x-axis, and the second number tells us how
far to move up (positive) or down (negative) on the y-axis.
How to Plot Points in 3 Easy Steps
1️⃣ Start at the origin (0,0) where the x-axis and y-axis meet
2️⃣ Move along the x-axis (first number in the ordered pair)
3️⃣ Move up/down the y-axis (second number in the ordered pair)
Let's Practice Together!
Example 1: Treasure Hunt
Captain Math needs your help to find buried treasure at point (5, 2) on the map below!
Example 2: Alien Invasion
Help defend Earth by plotting these alien spaceship coordinates:
- Spaceship Alpha at (3, 4)
- Spaceship Beta at (-2, 1)
- Spaceship Gamma at (0, -3)
Parent Tips 🌟
- Make it real: Use graph paper to map your home layout or neighborhood, assigning coordinates to important locations.
- Game time: Play "Battleship" to reinforce coordinate concepts in a fun way.
- Tech helper: Show your child how GPS and maps apps use coordinate systems in everyday life.