CARTESIAN COORDINATE SYSTEMS MATH REVIEW

What is a coordinate system? Coordinate systems are reference systems used to uniquely locate a point in space. There are several coordinate systems in use; each has applications in different situations. Examples of coordinate systems are spherical, cylindrical and Cartesian. This lesson explores the Cartesian system of coordinates.

CARTESIAN COORDINATE SYSTEM This system consists of two axes, perpendicular to each other. A point in space is represented by an y . Point with ordinate pair (x, y) in coordinates x and y 2 dimensions (2D). In 3D, there would be 3 axes, and points (x,y,z) x

To represent points on this system… … simply locate the value of the “x” coordinate (moving along the horizontal line as necessary). Then move your hand up along the vertical line as much as necessary to locate the “y” coordinate. Mark your point with a “dot”.

NOTES ABOUT THE SYSTEM The point where the two axes meet is the coordinate (0,0), also called origin. In general, the “x” axis is drawn horizontally, and the “y” axis, vertically. However, what is important is that they meet at 90° angles. Each ordinate pair (x,y) represents a single point on the system of axes.

All these are Cartesian systems!

THE END © Lilian Wehner 2012