coordinate

Coordinates are numbers that define the position of points in a plane or in space. In the Cartesian coordinate system, a point in a plane is charted based upon its location along intersecting horizontal and vertical axes. In the polar coordinate system, a point in a plane is defined by its distance from a fixed point and direction from a fixed line.

In geometry, a number that defines the position of a point relative to a point or axis (reference line). Cartesian coordinates define a point by its perpendicular distances from two or more axes drawn through a fixed point mutually at right angles to each other. Polar coordinates define a point in a plane by its distance from a fixed point and direction from a fixed line.

When working on the two-dimensional plane the coordinates can be plotted on a graph.

The coordinates of the points A, B, C, and D are: A (3, 1), B (−3, 2), C (−1, −4), D (3, −2). Coordinates can, therefore, be both positive numbers, both negative numbers, or a positive and a negative number. The x- and y-axes intersect to create four quadrants.

Once plotted, coordinates can be joined up to obtain straight-line graphs from linear equations or curves from quadratic equations and cubic equations. The intercept and gradient can be calculated.

Distance-time graphs and conversion graphs are both obtained by plotting coordinates.