Question

Plot the ordered pairs in a coordinate plane. (GRAPH CANNOT COPY) The point \((-2,5)\) lies in Quadrant \(\underline{?}\).

Short answer

The point (-2,5) lies in Quadrant II.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Coordinates

Every point in a Cartesian plane is represented by an ordered pair of numbers, (x,y). The first number, 'x', represents the horizontal distance of the point from the origin. The positive direction is to the right and the negative direction is to the left. The second number 'y', tells the vertical distance of the point from the origin. The positive direction is upwards and the negative direction is downwards.

Recognizing the Quadrants

The Cartesian plane is divided into four quadrants. Quadrant I (upper right) has both x and y positive. Quadrant II (upper left) has x negative and y positive. Quadrant III (lower left) has both x and y negative. Lastly, Quadrant IV (lower right) has x positive and y negative.

Determining the Quadrant of the Given Point

Looking at the point (-2,5), the x-coordinate is -2 and y-coordinate is 5. As per the quadrant definitions, a point with a negative x-coordinate and positive y-coordinate is located in Quadrant II.