Free taster
5 of 6 sections open
Treasure Hunt with Coordinates
🗺️ Treasure Hunt with Coordinates
Imagine you're a pirate following a treasure map. The map is divided into a grid, and each location is described by two numbers - how far across and how far up. These numbers are called coordinates, and they're the foundation of all graph work in maths!
In 1637, French mathematician René Descartes invented this coordinate system while lying in bed watching a fly crawl across his ceiling tiles.
What are coordinates?: A pair of numbers (x, y) that describe the exact position of a point on a coordinate plane.
Mathematics glossary
- What are coordinates?
- A pair of numbers (x, y) that describe the exact position of a point on a coordinate plane.
- Which axis is vertical?
- The y-axis is the vertical axis (runs up and down).
Earn the mark scheme marks
💡 Exam Tips
- Remember the order: Coordinates are always (x, y) - "across then up"
- Check quadrants: Use signs to verify your plotted points are in the correct quadrant
- Use graph paper: When drawing coordinate grids, make sure scales are equal
- Label your axes: Always mark x and y axes clearly
- Show working: For distance and midpoint calculations, substitute values clearly
Now try it yourself
Quiz · Question 1 of 10
Which point has coordinates (–3, 5)?
Tap an answer to check it
This topic in real past papers
Every real exam question we've found on coordinates, with a full worked answer.