Origin

Definition

In the rectangular coordinate system, the origin is the point where the x-axis and y-axis intersect. It is denoted by the coordinates (0, 0).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The origin is the reference point for the coordinate plane.
2. Coordinates of any point are measured from the origin.
3. In equations involving graphing, shifting a graph involves moving it relative to the origin.
4. Absolute value functions are symmetric with respect to the y-axis and often use the origin as a central point.
5. The distance formula often uses the origin as a starting or ending point for calculations.

Review Questions

• What are the coordinates of the origin in a rectangular coordinate system?
• How does shifting a graph horizontally or vertically relate to its position relative to the origin?
• Why is the origin important when calculating distances between points on a graph?

Related terms

Coordinate Plane:

A two-dimensional surface on which points are plotted and located by their x and y coordinates.

Absolute Value Function:

A function defined by $f(x) = |x|$, which produces non-negative outputs regardless of whether $x$ is positive or negative.

\$(x, y)\$ Coordinates: An ordered pair that defines a specific location on a coordinate plane, with 'x' representing horizontal displacement and 'y' representing vertical displacement.