Explain how negative numbers are used on a coordinate grid | Maths

Starter quiz

What are the coordinates being shown here?
- 9
- (4,5) ✓
- (5,4)
- 45
What are the coordinates being shown here?
- (4,0)
- (0,4) ✓
- (4)
- (4,1)
- (1,4)
Which of the statements about the number −5 are true? Tick all that apply.
- It is 5 away from zero. ✓
- It is closer to zero than −4 is.
- It is to the right of −6 on a horizontal number line. ✓
- It is to the left of −6 on a horizontal number line.
- It is to the left of −4 on a horizontal number line. ✓
Tick all the statements that are true.
- −3 is greater than −4. ✓
- −4 is greater than −3.
- −3 is greater than 3.
- 3 is greater than −3. ✓
- 3 and −3 have the same distance from zero. ✓
Put the following numbers into descending order.
- 1
  
  ⇔
  
  1
- 2
  
  ⇔
  
  0.75
- 3
  
  ⇔
  
  0
- 4
  
  ⇔
  
  −1
- 5
  
  ⇔
  
  −1.5
What number is exactly halfway between −10 and −9?
- There is no number between −10 and −9.
- −9.5 ✓
- −10.5
- −9.25
- −9.75

Match the keyword with the definition.
- coordinates
  
  ⇔
  
  a set of values that show an exact position ✓
- quadrant
  
  ⇔
  
  any of 4 areas made when a plane is divided by x and y axes ✓
- axes
  
  ⇔
  
  the x and y lines that cross at right angles to make a grid ✓
Using brackets and a comma, give the coordinates of the cross marked on this two quadrant grid.
- '(0,−4)' ✓
Match the letters with the quadrant descriptions.
- a
  
  ⇔
  
  positive x direction, positive y direction ✓
- b
  
  ⇔
  
  negative x direction, positive y direction ✓
- c
  
  ⇔
  
  negative x direction, negative y direction ✓
- d
  
  ⇔
  
  positive x direction, negative y direction ✓
In which quadrant will you find the coordinate (−2, 5)?
- a
- b ✓
- c
- d
If the axes were extended, in which quadrant would you find the coordinate (18, −25)?
- a
- b
- c
- d ✓
When joined together, the four crosses form a rectangle. Tick all of the coordinates that would be found inside the rectangle.
- (0,0) ✓
- (2,4)
- (4,2) ✓
- (−2,−3) ✓
- (−3,4)

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Pupils can get mixed up with which comes first, the x or y axis, when reading/plotting coordinates.

There are lots of aide-mémoires to remember the order. However, regular practice using a stem sentence like the one in the lesson will help.

Coordinates - Coordinates are a set of values that show an exact position.
Quadrant - Any of the four areas made when a plane is divided by an x and y axis.
Axis / axes - The x and y lines that cross at right angles to make a graph or grid.