Coordinates - Corbettmaths

Summary

This educational video script introduces the concept of coordinates, focusing on plotting points on a grid using their coordinates. It explains how to determine the position of a point by moving along the x-axis ('along the corridor') and then up or down the y-axis ('up the stairs'). The script also covers how to write coordinates correctly, emphasizing the use of brackets and commas. It includes examples of plotting various points, such as (3,1), (-2,4), and (5,-3), and concludes with a scenario where a student incorrectly plots a point, highlighting the importance of accuracy in coordinate plotting.

Takeaways

• 📏 Coordinates are used to plot points on a grid, with the first number indicating the distance along the x-axis and the second number indicating the distance along the y-axis.
• 🔢 The coordinates of point (3,1) mean move 3 units along the x-axis and then 1 unit up the y-axis.
• 📚 A mnemonic to remember coordinates is 'along the corridor, up the stairs', with positive numbers moving up and negative numbers moving down.
• 💼 When writing coordinates, always include brackets and a comma to separate the x and y values, e.g., (3,1).
• 📍 To find the coordinates of a point on a grid, count the number of units along the x-axis and then the number of units up or down the y-axis.
• 📉 Points like (-2,4) are plotted by moving 2 units left along the x-axis and then 4 units up the y-axis.
• 📌 The origin, or (0,0), is a special point where the x-axis and y-axis intersect.
• 📝 When plotting points, it's common to label them with letters, such as A, B, or C, next to the plotted point.
• ❌ Max incorrectly plotted the point (3,-2) as (-2,3), demonstrating the importance of accurately following the order of x and y coordinates.
• 🔄 Negative x-coordinates move left along the x-axis, while negative y-coordinates move down the y-axis.

Q & A

What is the significance of the first number in a coordinate pair?

The first number in a coordinate pair represents the distance along the x-axis, indicating how far to go horizontally from the origin.

How does the second number in a coordinate pair determine the position of a point?

The second number in a coordinate pair indicates the distance along the y-axis, showing how far up or down from the origin to go.

What is the mnemonic 'along the corridor, up the stairs' referring to in the context of coordinates?

This mnemonic helps remember that the first number of the coordinate (along the corridor) moves you horizontally along the x-axis, while the second number (up the stairs) moves you vertically along the y-axis.

Why is it important to include brackets and a comma when writing coordinates?

Brackets and a comma are important in coordinate notation to clearly delineate the x and y values, ensuring that the coordinates are read correctly.

What does the origin represent on a coordinate grid?

The origin is the point where the x-axis and y-axis intersect, represented by the coordinates (0, 0), and it is the starting point for all movements along the axes.

How do you determine the coordinates of a point if it's plotted on a grid?

To determine the coordinates of a plotted point, count the number of units along the x-axis (horizontal) and the number of units along the y-axis (vertical) from the origin to the point.

What is the coordinate of a point that is three units to the right and two units down on a grid?

A point that is three units to the right and two units down on a grid has the coordinates (3, -2).

If a point is plotted with coordinates (-4, 0), where is it located on the grid?

A point with coordinates (-4, 0) is located four units to the left of the origin along the x-axis and at the same level as the origin on the y-axis.

How would you plot the point with coordinates (0, 3) on a coordinate grid?

To plot the point (0, 3), you would stay at the origin on the x-axis and move three units up along the y-axis.

What mistake did Max make when plotting the point with coordinates (3, -2)?

Max incorrectly plotted the point as (-2, 3), going to the left on the x-axis and up on the y-axis instead of to the right and down.

What is the special name for the point with coordinates (0, 0) on a coordinate grid?

The point with coordinates (0, 0) is known as the origin.