Lesson 1: The Cartesian Plane

What are the input/output designation of a point on a graph?

What is the Order Pair or Coordinate of a point?

What Quadrant does a point lie in?

Input, Output, Ordered Pairs, Cartesian Coordinate System, Quadrants, Coordinates, Points

F.IF.4 For a function that models a relationship between two quantities, interpret key features of graphs and tables in terms of the quantities, and sketch graphs showing key features given a verbal description of the relationship.

Lesson Description: This lesson serves as the "map-reading" phase of algebra. Students will learn the anatomy of the coordinate grid, including the x-axis, y-axis, origin, and the four quadrants. Key skills include: Plotting ordered pairs (x, y) with precision. Identifying the coordinates of points already graphed on a plane. Understanding the significance of points located on the axes (where x=0 or y=0).Recognizing the relationship between a linear equation and its set of solution points.
Purpose: The purpose of Section 5.1 is to establish a spatial framework for mathematical relationships. Up until now, students have solved for a single variable on a one-dimensional number line. The Cartesian Plane introduces a second dimension, allowing students to visualize how two variables (like time and distance, or cost and quantity) relate to one another. This is the essential prerequisite for graphing lines, understanding functions, and interpreting data in professional fields like healthcare, economics, and engineering.
Depth of Knowledge (DOK) Level
DOK Level 1 & 2Level 1 (Recall & Reproduction): Correcting identifying the quadrants (I, II, III, IV) and plotting basic points. Recalling that the first number in an ordered pair corresponds to horizontal movement and the second to vertical.
Level 2 (Skill/Concept): Interpreting the meaning of a point in a specific context (e.g., if a point is in Quadrant IV, what does that tell us about the signs of x and y?). Students must also verify if a given ordered pair is a "solution" to a linear equation by substituting both values and checking for equality.

Class and Online Work

Section 5.1 You Try Page 118

Practice Problems

Textbook with guided class notes and videos