Y-coordinate

Definition

The y-coordinate is the vertical position of a point on a coordinate plane, measured along the y-axis. It represents the distance of the point from the horizontal x-axis and is used to describe the location of a point in two-dimensional space.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The y-coordinate is the second value in an ordered pair (x, y) that describes the location of a point on a coordinate plane.
2. The y-coordinate determines the vertical position of a point and is measured from the x-axis, with positive values above the axis and negative values below.
3. When graphing linear equations in two variables, the y-coordinate represents the vertical position of the points that satisfy the equation.
4. The y-coordinate is essential for understanding the behavior and characteristics of functions, as it describes the output or dependent variable of the function.
5. The y-coordinate, along with the x-coordinate, is used to plot points and graph functions on the coordinate plane.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of the y-coordinate in graphing linear equations in two variables.
  • The y-coordinate is crucial for graphing linear equations in two variables because it represents the vertical position of the points that satisfy the equation. Each point on the graph of a linear equation has an x-coordinate and a y-coordinate, where the y-coordinate corresponds to the dependent variable and describes the vertical location of the point. By plotting the points with their respective x- and y-coordinates, you can construct the graph of the linear equation and visualize its behavior.
• Describe how the y-coordinate is used in the context of functions.
  • In the study of functions, the y-coordinate is essential for understanding the relationship between the input (independent variable) and the output (dependent variable). The y-coordinate represents the output or dependent variable of the function, which is determined by the input value. When graphing functions, the y-coordinate corresponds to the vertical position of the points on the coordinate plane, allowing you to visualize the behavior and characteristics of the function, such as its range, end behavior, and any turning points.
• Analyze the importance of the y-coordinate in the overall understanding of a point's location on a coordinate plane.
  • The y-coordinate, along with the x-coordinate, is crucial for fully understanding the location of a point on a coordinate plane. The x-coordinate represents the horizontal position, while the y-coordinate represents the vertical position. Together, the ordered pair (x, y) uniquely identifies the position of a point on the plane, allowing you to precisely locate and describe the point's location. Understanding the significance of the y-coordinate is essential for tasks such as graphing equations, interpreting function behavior, and analyzing the relationships between variables in a two-dimensional space.

Related terms

Coordinate Plane:

A two-dimensional plane with perpendicular x-axis and y-axis, used to represent and plot points and graph equations.

x-coordinate:

The horizontal position of a point on a coordinate plane, measured along the x-axis.

Ordered Pair:

A pair of numbers (x, y) that represents the location of a point on a coordinate plane, where x is the horizontal position and y is the vertical position.