Coordinates of a Point in a Plane

How to determine the coordinates of a point in a plane?

\(\overrightarrow{XOX'}\) and \(\overrightarrow{YOY'}\) represent the co-ordinate axes. P be a point in the plane of the graph paper.

Draw \(\overline{PM}\) ┴ \(\overrightarrow{YOY'}\) and \(\overline{PN}\) ┴ \(\overrightarrow{XOX'}\).

Length of \(\overline{ON}\) is called the x- co-ordinate or abscissa of point P. Here \(\overline{ON}\) = 2 units.

Length of \(\overline{OM}\) is called the y-co-ordinate or ordinate of P. Here \(\overline{OM}\) = 4 units.

Coordinates of a Point in a Plane

Thus, the co-ordinates of point P are (2, 4) which is called an ordered pair.

So, the positions of the coordinates of a point in a plane cannot be interchanged as (4, 2).

Remember, if the distance of P from y-axis is ‘a’ and units the distance of P from the x-axis is ‘b’ units then the co-ordinates of point P are (a, b) where a denotes the x-co-ordinate or abscissa and b denotes the y-co-ordinate or ordinate.

Thus, we can define abscissa as distance of P from y-axis and ordinate as the distance of P from x-axis.


Point on x-axis: If we take any point on x-axis, then the distance of this point from x-axis is zero i.e., y-co-ordinate of every point on x-axis is zero.

Therefore, the co-ordinates of a point on x-axis are of the form (x, 0)


Point on y-axis: If we take any point on y-axis, then the distance of this point from y-axis is zero i.e., x-co-ordinate of every point on y-axis is zero.

Therefore, the co-ordinates of a point on y-axis are of the form (0, y).

Related Concepts:

Coordinate Graph

Ordered pair of a Coordinate System

Plot Ordered Pairs

Coordinates of a Point

All Four Quadrants

Signs of Coordinates

Find the Coordinates of a Point

Plot Points on Co-ordinate Graph

Graph of Linear Equation

Simultaneous Equations Graphically

Graphs of Simple Function

Graph of Perimeter vs. Length of the Side of a Square

Graph of Area vs. Side of a Square

Graph of Simple Interest vs. Number of Years

Graph of Distance vs. Time









7th Grade Math Problems

8th Grade Math Practice

From Coordinates of a Point in a Plane to HOME PAGE


New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. Ask a Question or Answer a Question.



Didn't find what you were looking for? Or want to know more information about Math Only Math. Use this Google Search to find what you need.



Share this page: What’s this?

Recent Articles

  1. Measuring Capacity | Standard Unit of Capacity | Litre | Millilitres

    Nov 29, 23 01:15 AM

    2 Tablespoonful of Water
    We will discuss about measuring capacity. The milkman measures milk in liters. Petrol is given in liters. Mobil oil is sold in liters. Two milk bottles contain 1 liter of milk. One milk bottle

    Read More

  2. Addition and Subtraction of Units of Measurement | Metric Units

    Nov 29, 23 12:54 AM

    Addition of Lengths
    We can add the units of measurement like decimal numbers. 1. Add 5 m 9 dm and 11 m and 5 dm Solution: 5 m 9 dm = 5.9 m 11 m 5 dm = 11.5 m Hence, 5 m 9 dm + 11 m 5 dm = 17 m 4 dm or 17.4 m 2. Add 15 cm…

    Read More

  3. 1 to 10 Times Tables | 1 - 10 Times Table Chart |Multiplication Tables

    Nov 29, 23 12:50 AM

    1 to 10 Times Tables
    Memorizing 1 to 10 Times Tables are very important for mental math and quick calculations. Times Tables are used during multiplication and division. Let us learn all the times tables from 1 to 10 to i…

    Read More