Understanding Coordinate Geometry: Does the Point (-3, -2) Lie Below the X-Axis?

In coordinate geometry, points are represented in a plane using coordinates: (x, y). The x-coordinate (or abscissa) and y-coordinate (or ordinate) determine the position of a point on the plane. The X-axis is the horizontal line with the equation y 0 and serves as the reference for the y-coordinate.

What is the X-Axis?

The X-axis plays a crucial role in the coordinate system as it is the horizontal line that divides the plane into two halves: the upper half and the lower half. Points above this line have a positive y-coordinate, while points below this line have a negative y-coordinate. This line is the reference for the y-coordinates of all points in the plane.

Coordinates and the Point (-3, -2)

When we consider a point with coordinates (-3, -2), we can break it down into its components:

The x-coordinate is -3, which means the point lies 3 units to the left of the origin (0,0) on the X-axis. The y-coordinate is -2, which means the point is 2 units below the origin (0,0) on the Y-axis.

Since the y-coordinate is negative, the point (-3, -2) is located below the X-axis.

Representation of Coordinates

It is essential to represent coordinates of points in the correct format, which is within round brackets, such as (-3, -2). This convention helps in avoiding confusion and ensures clarity. In the given example, (-3, -2) clearly indicates the position of the point on the plane.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the point (-3, -2) lies below the X-axis because its y-coordinate is negative. By understanding the role of the X-axis and the meaning of coordinates, we can accurately describe the position of any point on the coordinate plane.

Do you have any more questions on coordinate geometry or the X-axis? Feel free to ask in the comments!