CMClearMathAcademy

Coordinate Plane Foundations

A free Pre-Algebra lesson from the “Coordinate Plane, Functions, and Slope” unit, with a worked example and practice problems including step-by-step solutions.

The coordinate plane uses two number lines. The x-axis runs left and right, and the y-axis runs up and down. An ordered pair is written (x, y), so the first number tells horizontal movement and the second number tells vertical movement. In Coordinate Plane, Functions, and Slope, the goal is not just to get an answer but to recognize the structure of the problem, choose a reliable strategy, and explain why the result is reasonable. The practice set now includes targeted skill work, transfer questions, and mixed review so students build fluency and retention.

What you'll learn

Why it matters: Maps, video-game positions, weather radar, and stadium seating charts all use coordinates. Two numbers locate any point uniquely.

Worked example

Problem. What quadrant contains the point (-3, 5)?

  1. The x-coordinate is negative, so move left.
  2. The y-coordinate is positive, so move up.
  3. Left and up is Quadrant II.
  4. Connect the calculation back to Coordinate Plane Foundations so the method, not just the arithmetic, is clear.

Answer: Quadrant II

Lesson preview: this page shows 5 practice items. The interactive activity contains 28 practice items and 15 quiz items (typed response and multiple choice). Counts include repeated prompts and variants.

Practice problems

1. In the point (4, -2), what is the x-coordinate?

Show solution
  1. The x-coordinate is the first number.
  2. The first number is 4.

Answer: 4

2. In the point (-6, 3), what is the y-coordinate?

Show solution
  1. The y-coordinate is the second number.
  2. The second number is 3.

Answer: 3

3. Which point is on the y-axis?

Choices: (0, 5) · (5, 0) · (3, 3) · (-2, 4)

Show solution
  1. Points on the y-axis have x = 0.
  2. (0, 5) has x = 0.

Answer: (0, 5)

4. Which quadrant contains (2, 7)?

Choices: Quadrant I · Quadrant II · Quadrant III · Quadrant IV

Show solution
  1. Both coordinates are positive.
  2. Positive x and positive y is Quadrant I.

Answer: Quadrant I

5. Which quadrant contains (-5, -1)?

Choices: Quadrant I · Quadrant II · Quadrant III · Quadrant IV

Show solution
  1. Both coordinates are negative.
  2. Negative x and negative y is Quadrant III.

Answer: Quadrant III

Practice this interactively with instant feedback and an AI tutor.

Practice Coordinate Plane Foundations Take the free placement check

More Pre-Algebra lessons