Steps in plotting ordered pairs on a grid:
1.
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Find the first coordinate in an ordered pair is on the X-Axis.
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The X-Axis goes left and right, the second coordinate is on the Y-axis.
The Y-Axis goes up and down.
Positive numbers go up or right (depending on the axis). Negative numbers go left or down.
The center, where X and Y axis meet called origin.
Positive and negative numbers are also called opposite of each other.
2. 2
Determine the quadrant the point is in.
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Remember that a graph has four quadrants (typically labeled in Roman Numerals). Quadrant I gets
(+,+); quadrant I is above and to the left of the Y-Axis. Quadrant IV gets (+,-); quadrant IV is below
the X-Axis and to the right of the Y-Axis. (5,4) is in quadrant I. (-5,4) is in quadrant II. (-5,-4) is in
quadrant III. (5,-4) is in quadrant IV.
3. 3
Bibliography:
Mark the point.
For Graphs of Lines:
1. 1
Determine the form your graph will take. It will be a line.
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If you are doing these graphs for the first time, graph them using a series of points in all 4 quadrants
at the same distance from the origin.
2. 2
Bibliography:
Determine which points you are going to include on the graph. Complex graphs require more
points.
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Unless you are only graphing a point, you will need at least two points. A line requires two points.
Bibliography: