# How do you Plot (-9,5)?

Mar 22, 2018

See below:

#### Explanation:

Firstly, remember that points are written in the form $\left(x , y\right)$, where $x$ is the distance on $\text{x-axis}$ and $y$ is the distance on the $\text{y-axis}$

This is pretty confusing, so I'll show you some examples with pictures.

This is a typical graph. The $\text{x-axis}$, as you can see, is the horizontal line and the $\text{y-axis}$ is the vertical line.

Your point is $\left(- 9 , 5\right)$ and the word plot means "to graph a point".

Putting your finger on the 0, count to the left 9 spaces, to the -9 space. Since it is negative, we moved to the left. That is the placement on the $\text{x-axis}$.

Now move your finger up 5 spaces, to the fifth vertical line. Because it is positive, we moved up. This is the placement on the $\text{y-axis}$.

Draw a little dot right where your finger is. It should be right here:

That is how you graph the point $\left(- 9 , 5\right)$.

*Note: This graph makes it look like the point is on $\left(- 10 , 5\right)$, but it is actually on line -9. Sorry for the bad graph!