Math · Stage 6

Plot coordinates in four quadrants; describe transformations

The x-axis runs across and the y-axis runs up and down, crossing at the origin (0, 0). Read a point as (across, up) to plot it in one of the four quadrants — then slide, flip or turn it and describe exactly where every point goes.

✦ Math📘 Stage 6 · S6⏱ ~13 min🧒 Ages 10–12★ Free to start

I can plot coordinates in four quadrants; describe transformations.

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Kavi Maps the Treehouse 🗺️

Kavi draws two roads that cross at her front door — one running across, one running up — and marks her door (0, 0). "Now I can find anything!" she hoots. "Go across first, then up or down: the acorn is at (3, 2), the owlet's nest is at (−4, 1). The two roads split the forest into four quadrants — and if I slide, flip or turn a shape, I can describe exactly where every point moves."

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What your child will learn

1The coordinate grid and its four quadrantsA point is written as an ordered pair (x, y). The x comes first (how far across) and the y comes second (how far up or down). Both can be positive or negative, which lets you plot in all four regions of the grid. Tap each part to see what it does.

2Sort each point into its quadrant

3Slide, flip or turn — what each does to (x, y)A transformation moves every point by the same rule, so the image is the same size and shape as the original (it is congruent). Tap each rule to hear it. Translation = slide, reflection = flip over a mirror line, rotation = turn about a point.

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A peek inside

Kavi plots the point (−4, 3). Which quadrant does it land in, and how does she get there from the origin?

x = −4 is negative → go 4 left; y = 3 is positive → go 3 up. A negative x with a positive y is Quadrant 2.

Try this at home: Which quadrant is the point (2, −6) in?

Ready to play and learn?

Start the free interactive lesson, or print the handout for screen-free play.

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Part of Math · Stage 6 · S6 on KAVI Academy — a secular, whole-child learning platform for ages 5–12.