Cartesian coordinate system facts for kids
In mathematics, the Cartesian coordinate system is a coordinate system used to place points on a plane using two numbers, usually called the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate. To place the coordinates, two perpendicular lines, called axes (Singular: axis), are drawn. Cartesian coordinates can be used in 3D, by adding a third number, the z-coordinate. Each added coordinate represents a dimension.
Using the Cartesian coordinate system, simple shapes, like parabolas, can be made using algebraic equations. The results of the equations can be plotted (drawn) on the Cartesian grid, and a shape appears. For example, a circle can be made with the equation x² + y² = 4 (see Figure 2).
The name cartesian comes from the French mathematician and philosopher René Descartes (Latin: Cartesius), who worked to merge algebra and Euclidean geometry. This work was important in creating calculus and cartography.
The idea of this system was developed in 1637 in two works by Descartes. In part two of his Discourse on Method, Descartes explains plotting the position of a point or object on a surface, using two perpendicular axes as measuring guides. In La Géométrie, he further explores these ideas.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The coordinate surfaces of the Cartesian coordinates (x, y, z). The z-axis is vertical and the x-axis is highlighted in green. Thus, the red hyperplane shows the points with x = 1, the blue hyperplane shows the points with z = 1, and the yellow hyperplane shows the points with y = −1. The three surfaces intersect at the point P (shown as a black sphere) with the Cartesian coordinates (1, −1, 1).
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The right-hand rule
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3D Cartesian coordinate handedness
See also
In Spanish: Coordenadas cartesianas para niños
