Chapter 3: Problem 20
Answer the given questions. Where are all points whose \(y\)-coordinates are \(-3 ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
All points are on the horizontal line \(y = -3\).
Step by step solution
01
Understanding the Problem
The problem asks us to find the location of points where the y-coordinate is \(-3\). This means for any point \((x, y)\), the value of \(y\) is constant and equal to \(-3\). This constraint will help us identify the nature of these points.
02
Defining the Equation
Since the y-coordinate of the points is consistently \(-3\), we can express these points in an equation form: \(y = -3\). This tells us that for every value of \(x\), the y-coordinate remains at \(-3\).
03
Understanding the Geometric Representation
The equation \(y = -3\) represents a horizontal line on the Cartesian coordinate plane. The line passes through the y-axis at the point \((0, -3)\) and extends infinitely in both horizontal directions through all values of \(x\).
04
Conclusion of Solution
All points whose y-coordinates are \(-3\) lie on the line described by the equation \(y = -3\). This line is a horizontal line located 3 units below the x-axis.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Coordinates
In analytic geometry, coordinates are crucial identifiers for a point's location on a Cartesian plane. Each point is given a specific set of coordinates, composed mainly of two values: the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate. These coordinate points are written in the form of an ordered pair \(x, y\). - **X-coordinate:** This value tells us the horizontal position of the point. It indicates how far from the y-axis the point is located. Positive x-coordinates lie to the right of the axis, while negative x-coordinates are to the left.- **Y-coordinate:** This value specifies the vertical position, telling us how far above or below the x-axis the point is situated. Points with positive y-coordinates are above the x-axis, whereas those with negative y-coordinates, like in the exercise, are below it.In the given problem, we explore points where the y-coordinate is constantly \(-3\). This constant value forms an essential theme of the equation of the line, simplifying the understanding and representation of horizontal lines on the plane.
Horizontal Line
A horizontal line is one of the basic types of lines studied in analytic geometry. This kind of line is unique because it maintains a constant y-coordinate and remains parallel to the x-axis.- **Key Characteristics:** - The line does not slope—it is perfectly flat. - The y-coordinate is consistent throughout the entire line, designating its vertical height. - Horizontal lines can be represented by equations of the form \(y = b\), where \(b\) is a constant value. In this case, \(b = -3\).This exercise explores \(y = -3\), showing us a horizontal line that crosses the y-axis at \( (0, -3) \). It stretches infinitely to either side of this intersection. Such a line depicts uniformity and simplicity, emphasizing the coordinate geometry’s ability to visualize constant features across changing variables.
Cartesian Plane
The Cartesian plane is a two-dimensional space defined by a pair of perpendicular axes: the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical). This plane serves as the backdrop for plotting points, lines, and curves in analytic geometry.- **Structure of the Plane:** - **X-axis:** Runs left to right, measuring horizontal distances. - **Y-axis:** Extends up and down, identifying vertical positions. - Their intersection is the origin, denoted as \( (0, 0) \).Working within a Cartesian plane allows us to accurately translate equations and algebraic constructs into clear, visual diagrams. The exercise’s horizontal line \(y = -3\) manifests as a straight, horizontal path parallel to and three units below the x-axis. This visualization helps us comprehend spatial relationships and constraints, like constant y-values across differing x-values. With Cartesian coordinates, complex mathematical concepts become accessible and clear.