Eddie is tracing out a straight line path in the Cartesian plane. He starts at A (0, 0) and moves as follows: 3 cm E to point B, then NW to point C, which is due North of point A. From there he moves the same distance SW to point D, and finally 6 cm S to point E, where he stops. What are the coordinates of point E?

One way we can mark positions is on a grid. We do this by using coordinates which are placed on an X axis and a Y axis. These coordinates will usually be written like this: (3,4) (3,6) (5,6) (5,4). Those particular ones would mark out a square. The first number represents a line on the X axis and the second number a line on the Y axis. Where the two lines meet is a particular point on the grid. Map directions are given using bearings. Some people use a 'thumb compass' when reading maps. These are very basic compasses that normally only show magnetic north. They are used in... Show more

One way we can mark positions is on a grid. We do this by using coordinates which are placed on an X axis and a Y axis. These coordinates will usually be written like this: (3,4) (3,6) (5,6) (5,4). Those particular ones would mark out a square. The first number represents a line on the X axis and the second number a line on the Y axis. Where the two lines meet is a particular point on the grid.

Map directions are given using bearings. Some people use a 'thumb compass' when reading maps. These are very basic compasses that normally only show magnetic north. They are used in orienteering. 

The x-y coordinate axes is also known as the coordinate plane. The axes of a two-dimensional Cartesian system divide the plane into four infinite regions, called quadrants, each bounded by two half-axes.

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