standard_description: Use a pair of perpendicular number lines, called axes, to define a coordinate system, with the intersection of the lines (the origin) arranged to coincide with the 0 on each line and a given point in the plane located by using an ordered pair of numbers, called its coordinates. Understand that the first number indicates how far to travel from the origin in the direction of one axis, and the second number indicates how far to travel in the direction of the second axis, with the convention that the names of the two axes and the coordinates correspond (e.g., x-axis and x-coordinate, y-axis and y-coordinate).
problem_activity: Warm-up
The purpose of this warm-up is for students to review plotting and labeling points that include negative coordinates and use repeated reasoning to generalize patterns in the coordinates of points in each quadrant (MP8).
Digital
Launch
Arrange students in groups of 4. Assign each person in a group a different quadrant. Tell students you will give them 2 minutes to plot and label at least three points in their assigned quadrant, and up to six if they have time. Give students 2 minute of quiet work time. Give students 4 minutes to share their points and their coordinates with their small group and look for patterns in the coordinates of points in each quadrant. Follow with whole-class discussion.
Though the paper and pencil version may be preferred, a digital applet is available for this activity.
Student Facing
Plot points in your assigned quadrant and label them with their coordinates.
Student Response
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Print
Launch
Arrange students in groups of 4. Assign each person in a group a different quadrant. Tell students you will give them 2 minutes to plot and label at least three points in their assigned quadrant, and up to six if they have time. Give students 2 minute of quiet work time. Give students 4 minutes to share their points and their coordinates with their small group and look for patterns in the coordinates of points in each quadrant. Follow with whole-class discussion.
Though the paper and pencil version may be preferred, a digital applet is available for this activity.
Student Facing
Plot points in your assigned quadrant and label them with their coordinates.
[IMG]
Student Response
Teachers with a valid work email address can
click here to register or sign in
for free access to Student Response.
Activity Synthesis
The focus of the discussion is for students to explain why the following patterns emerge:
In quadrants I and IV, the x-coordinate of a point (or the first number in an ordered pair) is positive.
In quadrants II and III, the x-coordinate of a point is negative.
In quadrants I and II, the y-coordinate of a point (or the second number in an ordered pair) is positive.
In quadrants III and IV, the y-coordinate of a point in is negative.
Ask the students to share any patterns they noticed among the coordinates of the points in each quadrant. After each student shares, ask the rest of the class if they noticed the same pattern within their small group. Record and display these patterns for all to see. If possible, plot and label a few example points in each quadrant based on students' observations.


aligns: no