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      Explain how negative numbers are used on a coordinate grid

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how negative numbers are used on a coordinate grid.

      Key learning points

      1. Coordinates can include negative values
      2. The x or horizontal value is always the first value in a coordinate
      3. The y or vertical value is always the second value in a coordinate

      Keywords

      • 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.

      Common misconception

      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.

      Teacher tip

      Stem sentences are an excellent way for pupils to rehearse and articulate key learning. Have them displayed in the classroom for pupils to use when needed. Introduce them using the 'I say, we say, you say' format.

      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.
      What are the coordinates being shown here?

      An image in a quiz
      9
      Correct answer: (4,5)
      (5,4)
      45

      Q2.
      What are the coordinates being shown here?

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

      Q3.
      Which of the statements about the number −5 are true? Tick all that apply.

      Correct answer: It is 5 away from zero.
      It is closer to zero than −4 is.
      Correct answer: It is to the right of −6 on a horizontal number line.
      It is to the left of −6 on a horizontal number line.
      Correct answer: It is to the left of −4 on a horizontal number line.

      Q4.
      Tick all the statements that are true.

      Correct answer: −3 is greater than −4.
      −4 is greater than −3.
      −3 is greater than 3.
      Correct answer: 3 is greater than −3.
      Correct answer: 3 and −3 have the same distance from zero.

      Q5.
      Put the following numbers into descending order.

      1 - 1
      2 - 0.75
      3 - 0
      4 - −1
      5 - −1.5

      Q6.
      What number is exactly halfway between −10 and −9?

      There is no number between −10 and −9.
      Correct answer: −9.5
      −10.5
      −9.25
      −9.75

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the keyword with the definition.

      Correct Answer:coordinates,a set of values that show an exact position

      a set of values that show an exact position

      Correct Answer:quadrant,any of 4 areas made when a plane is divided by x and y axes

      any of 4 areas made when a plane is divided by x and y axes

      Correct Answer:axes,the x and y lines that cross at right angles to make a grid

      the x and y lines that cross at right angles to make a grid

      Q2.
      Using brackets and a comma, give the coordinates of the cross marked on this two quadrant grid.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer: (0,−4), (0, −4), ( 0, −4 ), (0,−4 ), ( 0, −4)

      Q3.
      Match the letters with the quadrant descriptions.

      An image in a quiz
      Correct Answer:a,positive x direction, positive y direction

      positive x direction, positive y direction

      Correct Answer:b,negative x direction, positive y direction

      negative x direction, positive y direction

      Correct Answer:c,negative x direction, negative y direction

      negative x direction, negative y direction

      Correct Answer:d,positive x direction, negative y direction

      positive x direction, negative y direction

      Q4.
      In which quadrant will you find the coordinate (−2, 5)?

      An image in a quiz
      a
      Correct answer: b
      c
      d

      Q5.
      If the axes were extended, in which quadrant would you find the coordinate (18, −25)?

      An image in a quiz
      a
      b
      c
      Correct answer: d

      Q6.
      When joined together, the four crosses form a rectangle. Tick all of the coordinates that would be found inside the rectangle.

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

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