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      Write coordinates for already marked points in the first quadrant of a coordinate grid

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can write coordinates for already marked points in the first quadrant of a coordinate grid.

      Key learning points

      1. Count along the x-axis and then the y-axis to find the coordinates for the marked point.
      2. Coordinates are recorded with the horizontal distance along the x-axis, then the vertical distance along the y-axis.
      3. Coordinates are recorded in brackets with the numbers separated by a comma.

      Keywords

      • X-axis - The x-axis runs horizontally (left-right) through zero.

      • Y-axis - The y-axis runs vertically (up-down) through zero.

      • Origin - The origin is where the x-axis and y-axis cross. It has the coordinate pair (0,0).

      Common misconception

      Pupils might confuse the x-axis and y-axis, leading them to count along the wrong axis.

      Reiterate that the x-axis runs horizontally (left to right) and the y-axis runs vertically (up and down). Use visual aids, like arrows or labels, to clearly mark the axes on the grid.

      Teacher tip

      Emphasise the importance of correct notation by practising writing coordinates with proper formatting. Use examples on the board and have students practice writing coordinates to gain fluency.

      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.
      The ‘y-axis’ runs:

      Correct answer: vertically
      horizontally

      Q2.
      The ‘x-axis’ runs:

      vertically
      Correct answer: horizontally

      Q3.
      The origin has the coordinates:

      An image in a quiz
      Correct answer: (0, 0)
      (1, 1)
      (0, 1)

      Q4.
      What is the coordinate of the dot on the grid?

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

      Q5.
      What is the coordinate of the star on the grid?

      An image in a quiz
      (4, 4)
      (2, 4)
      Correct answer: (1, 4)

      Q6.
      Sofia and Jacob are playing a game of Alien Treasure. Jacob says ‘My treasure is at the coordinate (5, 3).’

      An image in a quiz
      Green
      Blue
      Red
      Correct answer: Yellow

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Question: To find a coordinate, we must count along the _________ first.

      Correct answer: x-axis
      y-axis

      Q2.
      Look at the grid below. Which is the correct coordinate for the point marked by the dot?

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

      Q3.
      Look at the grid below. Which is the correct coordinate for the point marked by the star?

      An image in a quiz
      (3)
      (3,0)
      Correct answer: (0,3)
      (1,3)

      Q4.
      Look at the grid below. Write down the coordinates for the plotted point. Remember to use brackets and a comma.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: (1,2)

      Q5.
      Sofia challenges Jacob to spell out her word shown by the image. Which coordinates will spell this word?

      An image in a quiz
      (1, 1) (5, 4) ( 2, 3)
      Correct answer: (4, 1) (1, 1) (5, 4)
      (5, 4) (0, 1) (3, 2)

      Q6.
      Sofia says: ‘If a point is located at (5, 2) on a grid, the number 5 represents the x-coordinate and 2 represents the y-coordinate.’ Is this true or false?

      Correct answer: True
      False

      To help you plan your 4 maths lesson on: Write coordinates for already marked points in the first quadrant of a coordinate grid, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...