Plotting Points in a Rectangular Coordinate System

To plot the point $\left(\mathrm{-2},4\right),$ begin at the origin. The x-coordinate is –2, so move two units to the left. The y-coordinate is 4, so then move four units up in the positive y direction.

To plot the point $\left(3,3\right),$ begin again at the origin. The x-coordinate is 3, so move three units to the right. The y-coordinate is also 3, so move three units up in the positive y direction.

To plot the point $\left(0,\mathrm{-3}\right),$ begin again at the origin. The x-coordinate is 0. This tells us not to move in either direction along the x-axis. The y-coordinate is –3, so move three units down in the negative y direction. See the graph in Figure 5.

Figure 5