Step by step
The question
Question: plot the point (−1, −2, 3).
(−1, −2, 3)
The numbers always come in this order: x, then y, then z.
= (x, y, z)
So x = −1, y = −2 and z = 3.
x = −1 y = −2 z = 3
1 Set up the grid
Three axes, at square corners to each other.
x comes toward us, y goes right, z goes up.
The floor is flat, where z is 0.
z is the height above it.
2 Plot the point
Start at the origin, where the axes meet.
Go back 1 along x: a minus means the other way.
Then go back 2 along y: a minus means the other way.
Then go up 3, straight up, along z.
That is the point (−1, −2, 3).
Careful!
The order matters.
The first number is always x.
(−2, −1, 3) is a different point.
Careful: x first, then y, then z
3 Check
Let's check.
Drop straight down to the floor.
On the floor we are at x = −1, y = −2.
The height is 3.
It matches!
floor: (−1, −2) height: 3
Let's look back.
First: set up the grid.
Then: plot the point.
Last: check.
Answer
= (x, y, z)