Read coordinates from a graph
When you read a point on a coordinate plane, always identify the horizontal position first and then the vertical position.
1) Use the ordered pair format
A point is written as (x, y).
- x-coordinate: move left or right from the origin
- y-coordinate: move up or down from the origin
2) Read the point carefully
Start at the origin 0)
- Count how far the point is from the y-axis to get x
- Then count how far it is from the x-axis to get y
Pay attention to the signs:
- Right and up are usually positive
- Left and down are usually negative
3) Simplify the final answer
If the coordinates include fractions or decimals, write them in simplest form if possible. Make sure the pair is in the correct order and that both numbers match the graph.
4) Check your answer
A quick check is to ask:
- Does the x-value match the horizontal movement?
- Does the y-value match the vertical movement?
- If I plot the point from the ordered pair, does it land on the same location?
Careful counting and correct order are the key skills for this type of problem.