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.
This introduction covers Treasure Hunt with Coordinates within Coordinates for GCSE Mathematics. Revise Coordinates in Graphs for GCSE Mathematics with 10 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 1 of 8 in this topic. Use this introduction to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Coordinates
Which point has coordinates (–3, 5)?
A triangle has vertices at P(−1, 2), Q(3, 5) and R(7, 2). Show that the triangle is isosceles.