Plotting Ordered Pairs

Plotting ordered pairs (or points) on the coordinate plane is a fundamental skill in mathematics.

The following diagram gives some examples of plotting ordered pairs (or points) on the coordinate plane. Scroll down the page for more examples.

Coordinate Geometry Worksheets
Practice your skills with the following worksheets:
Printable & Online Coordinate Geometry Worksheets

1. Understand the Coordinate Plane
The plane has two axes:
x-axis (horizontal)
y-axis (vertical)
The origin (0,0) is where the axes intersect.
The plane is divided into 4 quadrants (I, II, III, IV) numbered counter-clockwise starting from the top right.

2. Steps to Plot a Point (x,y)
a) Start at the origin (0,0).
b) Move along the x-axis:
Right if x is positive (e.g., 3).
Left if x is negative (e.g., −2).
c) Move along the y-axis:
Up if y is positive (e.g., 4).
Down if y is negative (e.g., −1).
d) Mark the point where you land.

3. Examples:
Example 1: Plot (2,3)
Start at (0,0).
Move right 2 units (x = 2).
Move up 3 units (y = 3).
The point is in Quadrant I.
Example 2: Plot (−4,−1)
Start at (0,0).
Move left 4 units (x = -4).
Move down 1 unit (y = -1).
The point is in Quadrant III.
Example 3: Plot (0,5)
Start at (0,0).
Do not move horizontally (x = 0).
Move up 5 units (y = 5).
The point is on the y-axis.

4. Special Cases
On the x-axis:
Points like (3,0) → Only move horizontally.
On the y-axis:
Points like (0,−2) → Only move vertically.
Origin:
(0,0) → No movement needed.

Coordinate plane graph ordered pairs

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Plot ordered pairs

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Graphing Ordered Pairs

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Plotting an Ordered Pair
How to Plot an Ordered Pair ?

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