A set of coordinate axes that extend from negative to positive numbers can be divided into 4 quarters.

These are called quadrants and are labelled like this:

Notice that the 1st quadrant is the one where points have positive x-coordinates and positive y-coordinates, e.g. (3, 4), (6, 1) etc.

Notice also that the quadrants are labelled in an anticlockwise direction from the 1st quadrant round to the 4th quadrant.

Example

In which quadrant does the point (4, -2) lie?

Answer

(4, -2) has a positive x-coordinate and and a negative y-coordinate.

It is in the 4th quadrant.

Are you ready to have a go at some questions now?