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Draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant.

Key learning points

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

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.

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.

Teacher tip

Guide students to follow the sequence of the coordinates carefully, reminding them that the points should be connected in the order given. Encourage them to double-check their sequence before drawing lines.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the definitions to the correct word.

Correct Answer:Polygon,A 2D shape made up of three or more straight lines.

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

Correct Answer:Vertex,The point where two lines meet.

The point where two lines meet.

Correct Answer:Coordinates,A set of values that show an exact position.

A set of values that show an exact position.

Q2.
What is the name of the shape which is to the left of the triangle?

An image in a quiz
Circle
Correct answer: Square
Trapezium

Q3.
What is the name of the shape which is to the right of the square?

An image in a quiz
Pentagon
Correct answer: Triangle
Trapezium

Q4.
What is the name of this shape?

An image in a quiz
Square
Rectangle
Trapezium
Correct answer: Parallelogram

Q5.
What is the name of this shape?

An image in a quiz
Square
Rectangle
Correct answer: Trapezium
Parallelogram

Q6.
What is the coordinate of the vertex marked with a dot?

An image in a quiz
(3, 5)
Correct answer: (5, 3)

6 Questions

Q1.
Sofia thinks of a shape for Lucas to draw. She gives him six coordinates to mark the vertices. What shape must it be?

Correct answer: Hexagon
Square
Triangle

Q2.
Write the coordinates of the circled vertex. Remember to write the coordinates using brackets and a comma.

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: (2,4)

Q3.
Sofia wants to draw a rectangle. What is the missing coordinate? Remember to use brackets and a comma.

An image in a quiz
Correct Answer: (5,2)

Q4.
Sofia wants to draw a trapezium. Identify the coordinates so that she is able to mark the final vertex.

An image in a quiz
Correct answer: (5,2)
Correct answer: (4, 2)
(5, 3)
(3,3)

Q5.
Lucas plots out a triangle. He moves the vertex marked at (1, 5) to (3, 4). What shape will it now be?

An image in a quiz
Hexagon
Square
Correct answer: Triangle

Q6.
Sofia describes a polygon using coordinates to mark the vertices. She gives Lucas exactly 4 coordinates. What shape can it not be?

Square
Correct answer: Octagon
Rectangle

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