Algebra Know-It-ALL

224 The Cartesian Plane

–6 –4 –2 246

2

4

6

–2

–4

–6

Negative

independent-

variable

axis

Positive

dependent-

variable

axis

Positive

independent-

variable

axis

Negative

dependent-

variable

axis

Figure 14-1 The Cartesian plane consists of two

real-number lines intersecting at a right

angle, forming axes for the variables.

–6 –4 –2 246

2

4

6

–2

–4

–6

x

y

(–4,5)

(4,3)

(–5,–3)

(1,–6)

Ordered pairs

are of

the form (x,y)

Origin = (0,0)

Figure 14-2 Five ordered pairs plotted as points on the

Cartesian plane. The dashed lines are for

axis location reference only.