Plotting points on a coordinate plane calculator

Graphing is the process of plotting data points on a graph. This can be done by hand or with a graphing calculator. Graphing is a useful way to visualize data and see relationships between variables.

Table of Contents Show

Uses Of A Graphing Calculator
Distance Formula:
Calculate Distance
Definition of Rectangular Coordinate System
Plot Points in Rectangular Coordinate System
Tutorial 1 - Quadrants in Rectangular Coordinate System
Question Part 1 - (see answers below)
Question Part 2
Answers to Above Questions in Part 1
More References and Links
How do you plot points on a graph?
How do you plot coordinates on Desmos?

A graphing calculator is a handheld device that is capable of plotting points on a graph. These calculators are often used in mathematics and science classrooms to help students visualize concepts. Graphing calculators can also be used for other purposes, such as creating graphs of data sets.

Uses Of A Graphing Calculator

There are many uses for a graphing calculator. Some of the most common uses are:

- To graph equations: Used to graph equations. This is a useful way to visualize how an equation behaves.

- To find trends in data: Finding trends in data. This is a useful way to see how a variable changes over time.

- To make predictions: A graphing calculator can be used to make predictions. This is a useful way to extrapolate data and make estimates.

Enter 2 sets of coordinates in the x y-plane of the 2 dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2), to get the distance formula calculation for the 2 points and calculate distance between the 2 points.

Accepts positive or negative integers and decimals. (6 and/or 6.5)

Distance Formula:

The distance between two points is the length of the path connecting them. The shortest path distance is a straight line. In a 2 dimensional plane, the distance between points (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2) is given by the Pythagorean theorem:

\( d = \sqrt {(x_{2} - x_{1})^2 + (y_{2} - y_{1})^2} \)

Calculate Distance

To calculate the distance between 2 points, (X1, Y1) and (X2, Y2), for example, (5, 6) and (-7,11), we plug our values into the distance formula:

An online graphing calculator to graph points in rectangular coordinate system. Through these tutorials, you will be able to explore the properties of points and quadrants in rectangular coordinate systems. If needed, Free graph paper is available.

Definition of Rectangular Coordinate System

A rectanguler coordinate system, or Cartesian plane, is a set of two intersecting and perpendicular axes forming an xy plane. The horizontal axes is usually labeled the x axis and the vertical axes is usually labeled the y axis. The two axes divide the plane into four parts called quadrants. Any point on the plane corresponds to an ordered pair (x,y) of real numbers x and y. x is called the x coordinate and y is called the y coordinate. Below is an applet that you may use to interactively explore points in a rectangular coordinate system.

Plot Points in Rectangular Coordinate System

enter the x coordinate and y coordinate and press "Plot Point".

x = y =

Hover the mousse cursor over the point to read the coordinates.
Hover the mousse cursor on the top right of the graph to have the option of download the graph as a png file.

Tutorial 1 - Quadrants in Rectangular Coordinate System

For each point or ordered pair, enter x and y and plot the cooresponding point.Determine the quadrant or axis where each point is located.
(2 , 3) , (-2 , -1) , (0 , -2) , (2 , -1) , (0 , 0) , (-2 , 3) , (2 , 0)
(-2 , 2) , (0 , 3) , (1 , -2) , (2 , 1) , (-3 , 0) , (-2 , -3) , (2 , -2)

Question Part 1 - (see answers below)

Use the results in the above tutorial, and perhaps some other points, to answer the follwoing questions.
1 - For what values of x and y is the point (x,y) situated in quadrant I?
2 - For what values of x and y is the point (x,y) situated in quadrant II?
3 - For what values of x and y is the point (x,y) situated in quadrant III?
4 - For what values of x and y is the point (x,y) situated in quadrant IV?
5 - For what values of x and y is the point (x,y) on the x axis?
6 - For what values of x and y is the point (x,y) on the y axis?

Question Part 2

For each situation give the coordinates of the point and use the applet to check your answer.(Note: These questions have an infinite number of possible answers).
1 - point (x,y) is situated in quadrant II.
2 - point (x,y) is situated in quadrant IV.
3 - point (x,y) is on the x axis.
4 - point (x,y) is situated in quadrant III.
5 - point (x,y) is situated in quadrant I.
6 - point (x,y) is on the y axis.

Answers to Above Questions in Part 1

1 - A point (x,y) such that x > 0 and y > 0 is situated in quadrant I.
2 - A point (x,y) such that x < 0 and y > 0 is situated in quadrant II.
3 - A point (x,y) such that x < 0 and y < 0 is situated in quadrant III.
4 - A point (x,y) such that x > 0 and y < 0 is situated in quadrant IV.
5 - A point (x,y) such that y = 0 is situated the x axis?
6 - A point (x,y) such that x = 0 is situated the y axis?