🔢 MathGrade 3Lesson 31
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Read Coordinate Grids

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Learning Objectives

  • 1Read coordinate pairs from a grid
  • 2Identify the x-axis, y-axis, and origin on a coordinate grid
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Mini Lesson

A coordinate grid uses two number lines: the x-axis (horizontal, going right) and the y-axis (vertical, going up). Every point on the grid has a coordinate pair written as (x, y). The first number tells us how far right; the second tells us how far up. The point where both axes meet is called the origin, written as (0, 0).

Parts of a Coordinate Grid

  • x-axis: the horizontal number line — values increase going right.
  • y-axis: the vertical number line — values increase going up.
  • Origin: the point (0, 0) where the x-axis and y-axis meet.
  • Coordinate pair: (x, y) — always write x first, then y.

Reading a Coordinate Pair

  1. Start at the origin (0, 0).
  2. Count the steps to the right along the x-axis to find the x value.
  3. Then count the steps up along the y-axis to find the y value.
  4. Write the pair as (x, y) — for example, 3 right and 2 up = (3, 2).
Coordinate grid with points A, B, and C plottedA 5 by 5 coordinate grid. Point A is at (2,3), Point B at (4,1), Point C at (5,4). Axes are labeled x and y.Coordinate Gridxy012345012345A(2,3)B(4,1)C(5,4)
Origin and first steps on a coordinate gridClose-up of the origin (0,0) on a coordinate grid, with arrows showing x going right and y going up, and the rule: always count right first, then up.Origin and Axes Rulexy(0,0) originx = righty = upAlways count RIGHT first, then UP.
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Remember: x comes before y — just like the alphabet! "Go along the corridor, then up the stairs" — move right first, then up.

Vocabulary
Coordinate grid
A grid with two number lines for finding pointse.g. The treasure is on the coordinate grid at (3, 5).
Origin
The point where the two number lines cross — at (0, 0)e.g. Start at the origin every time.
X-axis
The number line that runs left and righte.g. Move along the x-axis to count right.
Y-axis
The number line that runs up and downe.g. Move up the y-axis to count up.
Ordered pair
Two numbers that name a point: (right, up)e.g. (3, 5) is an ordered pair.
Point
A spot on the grid that an ordered pair locatese.g. Plot the point (4, 2).
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← Lesson 30: Interpret Tables and ChartsLesson 32: Explore Shapes in Real Environments →