Reading and plotting points | Year 7

01 / LEARN

The idea, step by step

Read the dot, not its label

The label names the point; the dot shows its exact position. Trace vertically to read x, then horizontally to read y. Check the scale before counting intervals.

On this grid each interval is one unit. P lies on x=-4 and y=1, so P is $(- 4, 1)$ .

Plot and check

Move along the x-axis to the first coordinate, then parallel to the y-axis to the second. Mark a dot at the intersection and place its label beside it.

Read your point back as an ordered pair. Move a crowded label rather than moving the point to make room.

A common trap

Reversing x and y when reading a point.

Instead: Always record horizontal position before vertical position.

02 / WORKED EXAMPLES

See the thinking

Example 1

Read a plotted point

Read Q in the supplied grid.

Q lines up with x=2.
Q lines up with y=3.
Write x first.

Q = (2, 3)

Example 2

Plot below the axis

Plot $T = (- 2, - 1)$ .

Start at the origin.
Move 2 left and 1 down.
Mark the intersection and label it T.

T = (- 2, - 1)

Check your understanding

A point is on the y-axis 3 units below the origin. What are its coordinates?

Show answer

$(0, - 3)$

On the y-axis x=0; below the origin gives negative y.

03 / WORKSHEET

Your turn

6 questions · 14 marks · Work at your own pace.

Worksheet PDF Worked solutions

Read the questions online

Read P.
2 marks
Read R.
2 marks
Plot $A = (- 3, 4)$ and $B = (2, - 4)$ .
3 marks
Write the coordinates of the point on the x-axis 5 units left of the origin.
2 marks
Mina plots $(1, - 3)$ as 1 down and 3 right. Give the coordinates she plotted, then correct her moves.
3 marks
What do $U = (- 2, 3)$ and $V = (4, 3)$ have in common?
2 marks

Read the worked solutions

Equivalent correct methods earn the corresponding marks. Include units where asked.

Read P.
2 marks
P is 4 left and 1 up.
$(- 4, 1)$
Read R.
2 marks
R is 3 right and 2 down.
$(3, - 2)$
Plot $A = (- 3, 4)$ and $B = (2, - 4)$ .
3 marks
For A: left 3, up 4.
For B: right 2, down 4.
A at $(- 3, 4)$ ; B at $(2, - 4)$ .
Write the coordinates of the point on the x-axis 5 units left of the origin.
2 marks
Left gives x=-5. On the x-axis gives y=0.
$(- 5, 0)$
Mina plots $(1, - 3)$ as 1 down and 3 right. Give the coordinates she plotted, then correct her moves.
3 marks
Her horizontal move is 3; her vertical move is -1.
The intended coordinates reverse these roles.
She plotted $(3, - 1)$ . Correct: 1 right and 3 down.
What do $U = (- 2, 3)$ and $V = (4, 3)$ have in common?
2 marks
Their y-coordinates match.
They have the same height and lie on y=3.

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Curriculum reference & lesson scope

Australian Curriculum v9.0 / South Australian Curriculum

Year 7 coordinate, pattern and authentic-graph interpretation scope. Includes prerequisite four-quadrant plotting; formal gradient/intercept techniques are not required here.

Official curriculum source ↗

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