Describing positions in the four quadrants

A grid can be divided into four sections called quadrants.

A grid with four quadrants can be used to display coordinates with positive and negative numbers.

Coordinates are always written like this (2, 3).

Coordinates contain two numbers. The first number shows the position on the x-axis and the second number shows the position on the y-axis.

This information can help you to find positions in all four quadrants on the grid.

Complete this interactive activity to understand how to describe positions in the four quadrants. Then put your knowledge to the test.

A grid with four quadrants can have coordinates with positive and negative numbers.

The two axes on the grid meet at right angles at the point called the origin.

When reading coordinates, always read along the x-axis (the horizontal axis) first, then read up or down the y-axis (the vertical axis).

The origin, located at (0, 0), is where the x-axis and y-axis meet.

The four quadrants are called the 'first quadrant', 'second quadrant', 'third quadrant' and 'fourth quadrant.

In the first quadrant, both coordinates are positive.

In the second and fourth quadrants, one number in the coordinate is negative.

In the third quadrant, both numbers are negative.