On a cartesian graph, how do you get 1, & -4 for point D?

Question

We just started on this in my Algebra 1 class @ my high school. & I'm having a little bit of trouble with it.

Answer 1

all ordered pairs are in the form (x,y)

from point D, move up or down to get to the x-axis; what number did you end up at ?

from point D, move to the right or to the left to get to the y-axis; what number did you end up at ?

 

Answer 2

Hi Elisabeth;

I am going to explain this as best I can, without the ability to draw a graph.

           y

******5*********
******4*********
******3*********
******2*********
******1*********
4-3-2-1--1*2*3*4*5*x-axis

*****-1* ********
*****-2* ********
*****-3* ********
*****-4 !********
*****-5*********

 

Note, where the exclamation point is.

I found 1 on the x-axis, also known as the horizontal axis.

The right of the center point is the positive side.

I found -4 on the y-axis, also known as the vertical axis.

Below the central point is the negative side.

 

I hope this helps.