# Coordinates

A pair of numbers (x, y) that gives the exact position of a point on a grid. The first number is across, the second is up or down.

Maths (school) · Part 04: Graphs · Card 1 of 8 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

Like a map reference: go along the corridor first, then up the stairs.

## Example

**Reading a point**

(3, 2): 3 across, 2 up
(-4, 1): 4 left, 1 up
(0, -5): on the y-axis, 5 down

## In practice

Video games, maps and satnavs all use coordinates to place things.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **In the point (3, 2), which number is the x value?** 3. The x value always comes first and tells you how far across.

## Questions people ask

### Which number comes first in a coordinate pair?

The x value always comes first. It tells you how far to move across, right if positive and left if negative. Then the y value tells you how far to move up or down. A simple memory trick is 'along the corridor, then up the stairs'. So (3, 2) is 3 across and 2 up.

### What are the four quadrants of a graph?

The x-axis and y-axis split the grid into four quadrants. Quadrant one has positive x and y. Numbering goes anticlockwise: top right, top left, bottom left, bottom right. Points on an axis are not in any quadrant. They sit exactly on the line between two.

## Related concepts

- [Gradient](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/maths-school/maths-school-part-4/maths-school-part-4-concept-2)
- [y = mx + c](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/maths-school/maths-school-part-4/maths-school-part-4-concept-3)
- [Parallel and perpendicular lines](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/maths-school/maths-school-part-4/maths-school-part-4-concept-4)
- [Midpoint of a line](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/maths-school/maths-school-part-4/maths-school-part-4-concept-5)

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