What are coordinates?

Coordinates are a pair of numbers, written like (3, 2), that pinpoint a position on a grid. The first number tells you how far to go across (along the x-axis) and the second how far up (along the y-axis). Always read across before up.

Examples

• The point (3, 2) is 3 across and 2 up.
• The origin, where the axes cross, is (0, 0).
• A treasure map might mark the spot at (5, 4).

Quick facts

• Read coordinates across first, then up: 'along the corridor, then up the stairs'.
• The two numbers are separated by a comma inside brackets.