[size=100]The x-axis and y-axis are axes in the Cartesian coordinate system. Together, they form a coordinate plane. The x-axis is usually the horizontal axis, while the y-axis is the vertical axis. They are represented by two number lines that intersect perpendicularly at the origin, located at (0, 0), as shown in the figure below. To plot a point on the plane, we start at the origin and take marching orders from an ordered pair of numbers called the coordinates of the point. The x-axis comes first, and then the y-axis. For the point (1,2), the x- coordinate is 1 and the y- coordinate is 2. Use the applet below to explore this. Notice how the animation first translates from the origin horizontally and then vertically.[br]This helps is remember that the x coordinate comes first and then the y one.[br][b]Warning- when you do slopes you will need to take vertical rise first![/b][/size]

Notice how the animation first translates from the origin horizontally and then vertically.[br][br]This helps is remember that the x coordinate comes first and then the y one.[br][br][b]Warning- when you do slopes you will need to take vertical rise first![/b]