3. Rectangular Coordinates
A good way of presenting a function is by graphical representation.
Graphs give us a visual picture of the function.
The rectangular co-ordinate system consists of:
the y-axis
the origin (0,0)
the four quadrants
Normally, the values of the independent variable (generally the x-values) are placed on the horizontal axis, while the values of the dependent variable (generally the y-values) are placed on the vertical axis.
The x-value, called the abscissa, is the perpendicular distance of P from the y-axis.
The y-value, called the ordinate, is the perpendicular distance of P from the x-axis.
The values of x and y together, written as (x, y) are called the co-ordinates of the point P.
Play with this LiveMath function plotter. Enjoy!
Example 1
Locate the points A(2 , 1) and B(-4 , -3) on the rectangular co-ordinate system.
(You need to put a scale on the axes and then put dots for the required points A and B. This answer is left to the reader...)
Example 2
Three vertices of a rectangle are A(-3 , -2), B(4 , -2) and C(4,1). Where is the fourth vertex D?
Example 3
Where are all points (x , y) for which x < 0 and y < 0?
Exercises
Q1 Where are all the points whose abscissas equal their ordinates?
Q2 Where are all the points (x, y) for which x = 0 and y < 0?
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