Chapter 1: Problem 30
Locate each point on a rectangular coordinate system. Identify the quadrant, if any, in which each point lies. $$(-2,-4)$$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The point (-2, -4) lies in Quadrant III.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Coordinate System
The rectangular coordinate system is composed of an x-axis (horizontal) and a y-axis (vertical). The origin, where the axes intersect, is at the point (0,0). Points are plotted as (x, y), where x is the horizontal distance from the origin, and y is the vertical distance.
02
Identifying the Coordinates
The given point is (-2, -4). This means the point is 2 units to the left of the y-axis and 4 units below the x-axis. Here, x = -2 and y = -4.
03
Plotting the Point
To plot the point (-2, -4) on the coordinate system, start at the origin (0,0). Move 2 units to the left along the x-axis (because x = -2) and then move 4 units down parallel to the y-axis (because y = -4). Mark the point where you reach.
04
Determining the Quadrant
The coordinate system is divided into four quadrants:
1. Quadrant I: (+,+)
2. Quadrant II: (-,+)
3. Quadrant III: (-,-)
4. Quadrant IV: (+,-)
Since the point (-2, -4) has both coordinates negative, it lies in Quadrant III.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Understanding Quadrants in a Coordinate System
A coordinate system is divided into four quadrants. These are formed by the intersection of two axes—the x-axis and the y-axis—crossing at the origin point (0,0). Each quadrant is a unique section of the plane, defined by the signs of points' coordinates.
- Quadrant I is located in the top right corner, where both x and y coordinates are positive: \((+,+)\).
- Quadrant II is in the top left, where x is negative and y is positive: \((-,+)\).
- Quadrant III is found in the bottom left, where both x and y are negative: \((-,-)\). This is where you'd locate the point \((-2,-4)\).
- Quadrant IV occupies the bottom right, where x is positive and y is negative: \((+,-)\).
Using Rectangular Coordinates
In the rectangular coordinate system, every point can be identified with an ordered pair of the form \((x, y)\). The x-coordinate tells us how far left or right a point is from the origin, while the y-coordinate indicates how far up or down it is.Here’s how it works:
- The x-value represents the horizontal position of the point, with positive values to the right and negative values to the left.
- The y-value stands for the vertical position of the point, with positive numbers going upwards and negatives going downwards from the origin.
- Its x-coordinate is \(-2\), meaning it is two units to the left of the y-axis.
- Its y-coordinate is \(-4\), indicating it is four units below the x-axis.
Plotting Points on a Coordinate Plane
Plotting points on a coordinate plane is like connecting dots through instructions. Start at the origin, which is the center point where the x-axis and y-axis meet.To plot a point like \((-2, -4)\):
- Begin at the origin, represented by \((0,0)\).
- Move horizontally along the x-axis. Since the x-coordinate is \(-2\), you move 2 units to the left.
- Next, move vertically along the y-axis. With the y-coordinate being \(-4\), shift 4 units downward.
- Mark your spot. This plotted point represents the coordinates \((-2, -4)\).By following these simple steps, you can confidently place any point accurately in its respective spot on the coordinate plane.