Coordinates (age 8+)
Plot specified points on a coordinate grid and draw sides to complete a given polygon
What a learner can do afterwards
- Plot points (1,1), (1,4), (5,4), (5,1) and join to make a rectangle
- Given three vertices of a square, plot the fourth vertex
- Complete a triangle by plotting the third vertex at given coordinates and drawing sides
1 · Read
You already know how to plot a point on a grid using its coordinates, like (3, 2). Now you will plot several points and join them together to draw a shape. Plot each point first, then connect them with straight lines in the order you plot them.
To draw a rectangle, plot (1,1), (1,4), (5,4), and (5,1). Connect each point to the next with a straight line, then draw one more line from the last point back to the first. Those four points make a rectangle.
If you're given three corners of a square or rectangle, look for the missing corner's numbers among the corners you already have. It shares its x-number with one neighbor and its y-number with the other.
A triangle has corners at (2,1) and (2,6). The third corner is given at (7,3). Plot all three points, then draw three straight sides connecting them to complete the triangle.
Plot every point first, then connect them in order with straight lines, closing the shape back at the start.
More to read
Coordinate plane parts review
The coordinate plane is a map with two directions. Right along the bottom counts the x-coordinate and up the side counts the y-coordinate.
The point (5, 1) means walk 5 right, then 1 up. Order matters: across first, then up.
Coordinate plane: FAQ
Plotting points joins them into shapes. The corners (1,1), (1,4), (5,4) and (5,1) join into a rectangle.
Opposite sides match: the bottom runs from x = 1 to x = 5, and both vertical sides run from y = 1 to y = 4.
Graphing coordinates review
Missing corners complete a shape. A square with (0,0), (0,3) and (3,0) needs (3,3) to close.
Check with sides: every side runs 3 units. Equal sides at square corners confirm the pick.
2.6: Graphing Points on a Coordinate Plane
Graphing points means placing dots with care. Find the across number first, then climb to the up number.
A triangle with corners (0,0) and (4,0) needs its third corner straight above one end, like (4,3). That keeps one side vertical.
Explore more
2 · Watch
En anglaisTake it off screen
Where it sits
Learn first
Optional connections
Where this leads
Jobs that lean on this skill. Follow one to see everything it is built on.
18 questions wait behind this lesson, each with its answer explained. Every answer feeds the sky: stars light as they are learned, and dim when it is time to come back.