Easy Algebra Step-by-Step

The Cartesian Coordinate Plane 175

Problem Identify the quadrant in which the point lies.

a. (4, −8)

b. (1, 6)

c. (−8, −3)

d. (−4, 2)

Solution

a. (4, −8)

Step 1. Note the signs of x and y.

x is positive and y is negative.

Step 2. Identify the quadrant in which the point lies.

Because x is positive and y is negative, (4, −8) lies in quadrant IV.

b. (1, 6)

Step 1. Note the signs of x and y.

x is positive and y is positive.

y-axis

x-axis

6 5 4 3 2 1

–7–6–5–4–3 –2–1 1 2 3 4 5 6

Origin (0, 0)

7

QUADRANT

II

QUADRANT

I

QUADRANT

III

QUADRANT

IV

–2

–1

–3

–4

–5

–6

–7

Figure 16.3 Quadrants in the coordinate plane