How to Plot Numbers on a Graph?

To plot numbers on a graph, you typically work with a coordinate plane that has an x-axis (horizontal) and a y-axis (vertical). Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Understand the Coordinate Plane:

• The coordinate plane is formed by two perpendicular number lines: the x-axis and the y-axis.
• The point where the x-axis and y-axis intersect is called the origin (0,0).
• Points on the plane are represented by ordered pairs (x, y), where 'x' is the horizontal distance from the origin and 'y' is the vertical distance from the origin.

2. Identify the Coordinates:

• Each point you want to plot will be given as an ordered pair (x, y).
• The first number, 'x', is the x-coordinate (also called the abscissa). It tells you how far to move horizontally from the origin.
• The second number, 'y', is the y-coordinate (also called the ordinate). It tells you how far to move vertically from the origin.

3. Locate the X-Coordinate:

• Start at the origin (0,0).
• Move horizontally along the x-axis to find the x-coordinate.
  • If 'x' is positive, move to the right.
  • If 'x' is negative, move to the left.

4. Locate the Y-Coordinate:

• From the point on the x-axis you found in step 3, move vertically to find the y-coordinate.
  • If 'y' is positive, move up.
  • If 'y' is negative, move down.

5. Plot the Point:

• The point where the vertical and horizontal movements intersect is where you plot the point. Mark it with a dot or a small cross.

Example:

Let's plot the point (4, 2):

1. Start at the origin (0,0).
2. Move 4 units to the right along the x-axis (because x = 4).
3. Then, move 2 units up parallel to the y-axis (because y = 2).
4. Mark the point where you end up. That's the point (4, 2).

Example 2:

Let's plot the point (-2, -3):

1. Start at the origin (0,0).
2. Move 2 units to the left along the x-axis (because x = -2).
3. Then, move 3 units down parallel to the y-axis (because y = -3).
4. Mark the point where you end up. That's the point (-2, -3).

By following these steps, you can accurately plot any set of numbers represented as coordinates on a graph.