Draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant | Maths

Starter quiz

Match the definitions to the correct word.

Polygon

⇔

A 2D shape made up of three or more straight lines. ✓

Vertex

⇔

The point where two lines meet. ✓

Coordinates

⇔

A set of values that show an exact position. ✓
What is the name of the shape which is to the left of the triangle?

Circle

Square ✓

Trapezium
What is the name of the shape which is to the right of the square?

Pentagon

Triangle ✓

Trapezium
What is the name of this shape?

Square

Rectangle

Trapezium

Parallelogram ✓
What is the name of this shape?

Square

Rectangle

Trapezium ✓

Parallelogram
What is the coordinate of the vertex marked with a dot?

(3, 5)

(5, 3) ✓

Exit quiz

Sofia thinks of a shape for Lucas to draw. She gives him six coordinates to mark the vertices. What shape must it be?

Hexagon ✓

Square

Triangle
Write the coordinates of the circled vertex. Remember to write the coordinates using brackets and a comma.

'(2,4)' ✓
Sofia wants to draw a rectangle. What is the missing coordinate? Remember to use brackets and a comma.

'(5,2)' ✓
Sofia wants to draw a trapezium. Identify the coordinates so that she is able to mark the final vertex.

(5,2) ✓

(4, 2) ✓

(5, 3)

(3,3)
Lucas plots out a triangle. He moves the vertex marked at (1, 5) to (3, 4). What shape will it now be?

Hexagon

Square

Triangle ✓
Sofia describes a polygon using coordinates to mark the vertices. She gives Lucas exactly 4 coordinates. What shape can it not be?

Square

Octagon ✓

Rectangle

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Lesson Details

Key learning points

The first digit in the coordinate gives the horizontal distance from the origin along the x-axis.
The second digit in the coordinate gives the vertical distance from the origin along the y-axis.
Use a ruler to join the points you have plotted to form a polygon.

Common misconception

Pupils may mistakenly plot the y-coordinate (vertical distance) first, then the x-coordinate (horizontal distance), leading to incorrect point placement.

Reinforce that the x-coordinate comes first by using mnemonics such as "X before Y, along the ground before you fly." Practice plotting a few points together as a class to build this habit.

Keywords

Polygon - A polygon is a 2D shape made up of three or more straight lines.
Vertex / vertices - A vertex is the point where two lines meet. The plural is vertices.
Coordinate - Coordinates are a set of values that show an exact position.