draw a polygon Using coordinates to
(−2, 4) (2, 4)
(−4, −4) (4, −4)
We carry on joining up the
points until we have made
a shape called a trapezium.
Now we use a pencil and
ruler to join up the first two
points we plotted.
Using coordinates
to draw a polygon
We can draw a polygon on a grid by plotting its
coordinates, then joining the points with straight lines.
We start by plotting these four
coordinates on the grid:
(2, 4); (−2, 4); (−4, −4); (4, −4).
Plotting posers
Can you work out the coordinates
that make the points of this six-
sided shape, called a hexagon?
If you plotted these coordinates
on a grid and joined the points in
order with straight lines, what shape
would you draw?
(1, 0) (0, −2) (−2, −2) (−3, 0) (−1, 2)
Answers on page 320
−6 −5−4 −3−2 −1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
−5−4−3−2−1 0 1 2 3 4 5 −5−4−3−2−1 0 1 2 3 4 5
1
2
3
4
5
6
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5
−6
1
2
3
4
5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5
1
2
3
4
5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5
1
2
3
4
5
−1
−2
−3
−4
−5
x
y
x
y y y
Remember, positive or
negative numbers in
coordinates tell us in which
quadrant we will find a point.
How to plot and draw a polygon on a grid
TRY IT OUT
x x −5−4−3−2−1 0 1 2 3 4 5
250_251_Quadrants_pos_neg_coords.indd 251 29/02/2016 18:05