Graphs

The Cartesian Plane

The Cartesian Plane contains two (2) straight lines intersecting at right angles.
The horizontal line is called the horizontal or x-axis.
The vertical line is called the vertical or y-axis.

Diagram showing the x and y-axes.

The point of intersection of the two axes is called the origin and is denoted by O.
The Cartesian Plane is used to plot points and hence draw graphs, using a system of rectangular
co-ordinates.
In this system of rectangular co-ordinates, the origin is taken as the point of reference.
The x co-ordinate is positive (+ve), to the right of the origin and negative (-ve) to the left.
The y co-ordinate is positive (+ve), above the origin and negative (-ve) below the origin.
NOTE: Each axis is like a number line; (starting always from the origin).
The rectangular co-ordinates mentioned previously, can be referred to as a point on the graph.
This point is ALWAYS in the form (x, y); where x represents the movement on the x-axis and y
represents the movement on the y-axis. For example: (2, -3) which means, positive 2 on the x
axis followed by -3 on the y axis.

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NOTE: The x co-ordinate is ALWAYS stated before the y co-ordinate. ALWAYS!
If we recall, the set of x values is also called the domain values or abscissa and the y values are
the range values or ordinates.
The Cartesian plane is made up of four, (4) quadrants formed by the x and y-axes.
The quadrants are numbered in an anticlockwise direction.
Diagram showing the properties of a Cartesian Plane

Diagram Showing Points/ Rectangular Co-ordinates on a Cartesian Plane

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