Position and direction
Coordinates
Coordinates describe a position on a grid as a pair of numbers (x, y). The first number tells you how far across, and the second how far up.
Reading coordinates
1. The first number is the x-coordinate — count across from 0. 2. The second number is the y-coordinate — count up from 0. 3. Remember the order: across first, then up.
Worked examples
Reading a point
- Look at the point (3, 2).
- Go 3 across, then 2 up.
Answer: (3, 2) means 3 across and 2 up.
Finding a missing corner
- Three corners of a rectangle are (1, 3), (1, 2) and (4, 2).
- The last corner lines up above (4, 2) and level with (1, 3).
Answer: The fourth corner is (4, 3).
Where you see this in real life
- Describing where to build a playground on a map.
- Finding a place on a treasure map or game grid.
- Reading a seat position in a theatre or stadium.
Key words
- Coordinates
- A pair of numbers (x, y) that give a position on a grid.
- x-axis
- The horizontal line across the bottom of a grid.
- y-axis
- The vertical line up the side of a grid.