Graphing Points on a Grid

BY: JA K E H E I N Z M A N

GRAPHING POINTS ON A GRID

HOW TO GRAPH POINTS ON A GRID

Graphing points on a grid can be hard, but once you know how to do it, it can be really easy! When I started out, I had no idea how to graph points on a grid, but now I have no trouble. If you are having problems learning to graph, I will teach you how.

LESSON GOALS

• Learn how to use the X and Y axis to graph points on a grid• Learn how to start from the origin and go on from

there

GROUND WORK

First, we need to learn how to use the X and Y axis. Here is an example of what the X and Y axis look like:

Usually, you will see the axis on a grid Here is what that looks like:

Y

X

THE ORIGIN

The origin is an essential part of learning how to plot points on a graph. The origin is 0, or, on a graph:You will always start from the origin, and move on from there.Where you go will be determined by the coordinates.

WHAT DO I DO WITH ALL THESE COORDINATES?

Coordinates are a pair of two numbers that tell you where to graph a point on a grid. Here is an example of what coordinates look like:5,3-9,46,-8One thing that you need to know is that if one of the numbers is a negative, that means that the point will be on the left hand side (vertically) and at the bottom (horizontally) on the grid.

HOW TO GRAPH POINTS ON A GRID

Finally, we have come to the point where I show you where to graph a point on a Grid. One very important thing that you need to know is that the first number in a coordinate is a number on the X, or horizontal, axis. The second number represents Y, which is plotted on the vertical axis. The next 4 slides are examples.

1

The Coordinates are 3,5

This is where these coordinates require us to plot the point on our graph.

2The Coordinates are -9,-7

This is where -9,-7 is Located.

3The Coordinates are -4,7

This is where -4,7 is located.

4The Coordinates are 6,-10

This is where 6,-10 is located on the grid.

EXAMPLE PROBLEMS

Now it is time for me to leave you and for you to practice some problems on your own. Remember that you always start at the origin (0,0 on the graph.) Then, remember that move first along the X axis, and then plot along the Y axis. Finally, remember that positive numbers will be found in the upper right section of the grid, while negative numbers will be found in the lower left section of the grid.

5,-2

6,9

-8,4

-3,-7

9,-3

-5,7

3,4

9,-7

REVIEW

So, in review, we learned how to graph points on a grid. We learned that you need to start on the origin, and move on from there. We learned that the negative numbers are found in the lower left side of the grid, and the positive are found in the upper right side. I hope you learned a lot from this presentation!