In mathematics, an axis (plural: axes) is a reference line used in a coordinate system to locate points in space. Axes help us find the exact position of points by providing a consistent way to measure distances and directions. The most common coordinate system is the Cartesian coordinate system, which uses two perpendicular axes in 2-dimensional space: the horizontal axis (called the x-axis) and the vertical axis (called the y-axis). In 3-dimensional space, we add a third axis (the z-axis) that extends outward from the point where the x and y axes meet.
Axes divide the coordinate plane into regions called quadrants. The point where the axes intersect is called the origin, which has the coordinates (0, 0) in a 2-dimensional system. The positive x-axis extends to the right of the origin, while the positive y-axis extends upward from the origin. Values on the axes help us measure distances from the origin, with positive numbers going in the positive directions and negative numbers going in the negative directions. This system gives every point in the plane a unique address described by its coordinates.
Examples of Axes Example 1: Locating Points on the Coordinate Axes Problem:Give some examples of the coordinates of points that lie directly on the axes in a coordinate plane: point A on the positive x-axis, point B on the negative y-axis, and point C on the negative x-axis.
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, Remember that points on the x-axis always have a y-coordinate of 0.
Step 2, Points on the y-axis always have an x-coordinate of 0.
Step 3, For point A on the positive x-axis, let's use the coordinates (5, 0). Point A on the Positive x-axis
Step 4, For point B on the negative y-axis, the coordinates would be (0, -3). Point B on the Negative y-axis
Step 5, For point C on the negative x-axis, the coordinates would be (-4, 0). Point C on the Negative x-axis
Step 6, So we can use these examples: A(5, 0), B(0, -3), and C(-4, 0).
Example 2: Identifying Axes on Graphs Problem:A student is creating a graph showing the number of books read each month. How to decide which axis represents the number of books, and which represents the months?
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, In graphs, we need to identify what each axis represents.
Step 2, Generally, the horizontal axis (x-axis) represents the independent variable, which is the input or what we're measuring over.
Step 3, The vertical axis (y-axis) typically represents the dependent variable, which is the output or what we're measuring.
Step 4, In this graph, the months are the independent variable because time flows naturally, and the number of books read depends on the month.
Step 5, So the horizontal axis (x-axis) should represent the months of the year. The vertical axis (y-axis) should represent the number of books read each month. Number of Books by Month
Example 3: Number Lines as Single Axes Problem:Plot the numbers -2, 0, and 3 on a number line.
Step-by-step solution:Step 1, A number line is a single axis that shows numbers in order from left to right.
Step 2, Start by drawing a straight line with equally spaced tick marks for whole numbers.
Step 3, Label the tick marks with integers, making sure 0 is in the middle, positive numbers are to the right, and negative numbers are to the left.
Step 4, To plot -2, find the tick mark labeled -2, which is 2 units to the left of 0.
Step 5, For 0, use the tick mark at the origin (middle) of the number line.
Step 6, For 3, find the tick mark labeled 3, which is 3 units to the right of 0.
Step 7, Mark each point with a dot at its proper position on the number line. Numbers Plotted on a Number Line
Comments(8)MMarketerSallyNovember 5, 2025I've used this axis plural axes def for my students. It made explaining graphing so much easier! Thanks for the clear info.DDirectorFinnNovember 5, 2025I've used this glossary entry to explain axes to my students. It's clear and the example really helped them grasp the concept!DDoctorFrankNovember 4, 2025This glossary def of axis plural axes is great! I've used it to help my students grasp graph concepts. Clear and easy to understand.MCMs. CarterSeptember 17, 2025This explanation of axes was super helpful for my kid! We used the graphing example to plot points together, and it really made the Cartesian plane click for them. Great resource!MCMs. CarterSeptember 10, 2025I used the Axis Plural Axes page to help my kids understand coordinate geometry, and it made plotting points on the Cartesian plane so much easier for them. Clear examples really help!svg]:px-3 dk:w-auto h-10 dk:h-14 rounded-lg dk:rounded-[15px] px-5 dk:px-7.5 text-sm dk:text-xl text-[#3467FF] bg-white hover:bg-white">Load MoreExplore More TermsDegree (Angle Measure)Linear Pair of AnglesBenchmarkFeet to Meters ConversionSkip CountIsosceles Right TriangleView All Math TermsRecommended Interactive LessonsUse the Number Line to Round Numbers to the Nearest Ten3Math3.NBT.A.1Identify and Describe Addition Patterns3Math3.OA.D.9Use the Rules to Round Numbers to the Nearest Ten3Math3.NBT.A.1multi-digit subtraction within 1,000 without regrouping3Math3.NBT.A.2Round Numbers to the Nearest Hundred with Number Line3Math3.NBT.A.1Divide by 23Math3.OA.C.7View All Interactive LessonsRecommended VideosAdd Fractions With Unlike Denominators5Math5.NF.A.1Surface Area of Prisms Using Nets6Math6.G.A.4Write Equations In One Variable6Math6.EE.B.6Understand and Write Ratios6Math6.RP.A.1Prime Factorization6Math6.NS.B.4Understand and Write Equivalent Expressions6Math6.EE.A.3, 6.EE.A.4View All VideosRecommended WorksheetsDescribe Several Measurable Attributes of A ObjectKMathK.MD.A.1, K.MD.A.2Understand Division: Size of Equal Groups3Math3.OA.A.2Convert Units of Mass4Math4.MD.A.1,4.MD.A.2Estimate Products Of Multi-Digit Numbers5Math5.NBT.B.5Understand The Coordinate Plane and Plot Points5Math5.G.A.1Evaluate numerical expressions in the order of operations5Math5.OA.A.1View All WorksheetsRecommended Coloring PagesCandy bag shaped like a witch's hat with a buckle and a few candies peeking outPre-K – KAll SubjectsA construction site with concrete slabs on the ground and a building frame in the background1 – 2All SubjectsBeluga whale surrounded by small fish and sea plants1 – 2All SubjectsSailboat with four masts in a harbor with other boats and a city skyline in the background3 – 4All SubjectsLarge space cargo ship with multiple containers and a space station in the distance3 – 4All SubjectsUpper and lower case letter V with a violin being played by a child, music notes floating around, the word 'VIOLIN' at the bottom3 – 4All SubjectsView All Coloring PagesRecommended Blogs25 Hilarious Middle School Memes That Every K-6 Teacher Will Relate ToSeptember 17, 2025Funny Math Memes That Make Learning Addition and Subtraction a Blast for K-6 StudentsSeptember 17, 202523 Powerful Proverbs Related to Education That Transform Learning in K-6 ClassroomsSeptember 17, 202550 Heartwarming Kindness Quotes to Transform Your Classroom and HomeSeptember 17, 2025Powerful Graduation Inspirational Quotes to Motivate K-6 Students and FamiliesSeptember 17, 2025School Memes: How Humor Helps Teachers and Kids Navigate the Emotional Ups and Downs of LearningSeptember 17, 2025View All Blog PostsQUICK LINKSAbout UsPrivacy PolicyTerms of ServiceTOOLSHomework HelperGuide DesignerPodcast MakerPlan BuilderRESOURCESMath GlossaryEnglish GlossaryEnglish Language ArtsMathematicsScienceBook InsightsFun with WordsBlog© 2025 EDU.COM. All rights reserved.智能索引记录
-
2026-02-28 16:56:38
房产家居
成功
标题:山东嘉邦家居用品公司网站 加盟做经销商多少钱 有人做过吗上海找做网站公司-北京孤凡电子商务有限公司
简介:山东嘉邦家居用品公司网站 加盟做经销商多少钱 有人做过吗,上海找做网站公司,个人网页html代码,全球邮企业邮箱XLin
-
2026-02-28 11:27:18
综合导航
成功
标题:Santa Cruz Winkowski Primeval Gold Pro Shaped Skateboard Complete - 10 – CCS
简介:Deck Construction:Traditional Maple,Board Shape:Shaped,Deck
-
2026-02-28 22:17:14
教育培训
成功
标题:无私作文300字
简介:在日复一日的学习、工作或生活中,大家总少不了接触作文吧,通过作文可以把我们那些零零散散的思想,聚集在一块。一篇什么样的作
-
2026-02-28 22:16:58
教育培训
成功
标题:爷爷作文5篇【精品】
简介:在学习、工作、生活中,大家最不陌生的就是作文了吧,作文可分为小学作文、中学作文、大学作文(论文)。那么一般作文是怎么写的
-
2026-02-28 11:22:50
综合导航
成功
标题:Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
简介:A full-service law firm handling complex transactions, litig
-
2026-02-28 11:53:50
综合导航
成功
标题:2026 年交易者必知的 7 大最佳加密貨幣交易策略-XS
简介:探索 2026 年 7 大最佳加密貨幣交易策略。了解當沖交易、期貨與自動化策略如何協助交易者管理風險並掌握短期機會。
-
2026-02-28 14:44:47
综合导航
成功
标题:【公式】 LGエレクトロニクス・ジャパン ホームページ (LG Electronics Japan) LG JP
简介:LGエレクトロニクス・ジャパンの公式ウェブサイト。テレビ、パソコン、モニター、プロジェクター、空気清浄機、LG Styl
-
2026-02-28 12:11:14
电商商城
成功
标题:捷联科技 商城 - 电商网站
简介:捷联科技 多语言,多货币,多种国际配送方式,PayPal 支付,国际信用卡支付,PC Web 端和移动端自适应。
-
2026-02-28 21:55:42
实用工具
成功
标题:有关棍的成语-雄安文学网
简介:雄安文学网为您提供4万余条中国成语的在线查询,提供有关棍的成语、含有关棍四字成语等成语查询,是查询成语的在线好帮手!
-
2026-02-28 22:33:51
综合导航
成功
标题:春节三年级作文【热】
简介:在平平淡淡的日常中,大家都写过作文吧,借助作文可以提高我们的语言组织能力。相信很多朋友都对写作文感到非常苦恼吧,以下是小
-
2026-03-01 00:45:17
教育培训
成功
标题:【精选】元宵节的作文200字汇编5篇
简介:在日常的学习、工作、生活中,大家都接触过作文吧,作文是由文字组成,经过人的思想考虑,通过语言组织来表达一个主题意义的文体
-
2026-02-28 02:41:33
综合导航
成功
标题:Tailored migration strategies for your logistics projects
简介:We develop efficient migration strategies for all upstream a
-
2026-02-28 11:47:14
综合导航
成功
标题:Robert Lowe, Viscount Sherbrooke (1811-1892). The Reader's Biographical Encyclopaedia. 1922
简介:Robert Lowe, Viscount Sherbrooke (1811-1892). The Reader
-
2026-02-28 10:40:13
综合导航
成功
标题:Be A Boss Award : rendez-vous à Lyon pour la compétition 100% working girls
简介:Après le coup d
-
2026-02-28 02:43:03
实用工具
成功
标题:2190.cn的whois查询信息-whois域名查询-域名店--域名抢注,域名注册,权重域名注册
简介:域名2190.cnwhois信息查询展示了提供2190.cn域名信息查询结果,通过whois查询工具查看域名注册信息、所
-
2026-02-28 12:45:30
综合导航
成功
标题:Train Snake - Play Train Snake Game Online Free
简介:Play Train Snake game online for free on YAD. The game is pl
-
2026-03-01 00:34:09
教育培训
成功
标题:生活处处有语文给我的启示作文(合集3篇)
简介:在平平淡淡的学习、工作、生活中,大家总免不了要接触或使用作文吧,通过作文可以把我们那些零零散散的思想,聚集在一块。写起作
-
2026-02-28 09:43:44
综合导航
成功
标题:Media and Communications Law Specialists 5RB Barristers
简介:Media and communications lawyers. Defamation, privacy, confi
-
2026-02-28 15:06:20
综合导航
成功
标题:Ways to Bank TD Clari
简介:Get to know TD Clari™, the friendly chatbot in the TD app wh
-
2026-02-28 22:23:37
教育培训
成功
标题:生活作文600字【合集9篇】
简介:在学习、工作、生活中,大家对作文都再熟悉不过了吧,作文根据写作时限的不同可以分为限时作文和非限时作文。那么你知道一篇好的
-
2026-02-28 21:54:29
综合导航
成功
标题:Press Release Distribution - Grow Your Business - PR.com
简介:Achieve your marketing and communications goals with PR.com&
-
2026-02-28 17:33:32
综合导航
成功
标题:Skid Resistance Testing ELE International
简介:Browse our range of Skid Resistance Testing online. ELE Inte
-
2026-02-28 22:25:29
综合导航
成功
标题:Network File System Archives - Making Sense of the Infinite
简介:Network File System Archives - Making Sense of the Infinite
-
2026-02-28 22:21:53
游戏娱乐
成功
标题:欢乐园游戏_欢乐园网页游戏平台_网页游戏_玩游戏就上欢乐园
简介:欢乐园游戏是国内具有知名度的专业游戏运营平台,提供网页游戏、手机游戏、客户端游戏的运营与研发;欢乐园游戏致力于游戏精细化
-
2026-02-28 13:28:31
综合导航
成功
标题:人族鎮守使-第2600章 太古聖地最新章節-台灣小說網
简介:台灣小說網整理人族鎮守使全集無彈窗在線閱讀,當前章節:第2600章 太古聖地
-
2026-02-28 14:32:59
综合导航
成功
标题:Rounding: Definition and Example EDU.COM
简介:Learn the mathematical technique of rounding numbers with de
-
2026-02-28 13:09:20
综合导航
成功
标题:EY - US Shape the future with confidence
简介:Five key SEC priorities in 2024
-
2026-02-28 17:08:01
综合导航
成功
标题:November 13~16, 2018 electronica, Exhibition. Connectors - JAE Japan Aviation Electronics Industry, Ltd.
简介:Browse November 13~16, 2018 electronica, Exhibition.
-
2026-02-28 17:17:22
综合导航
成功
标题:SDNY Prosecutor in Eric Adams Bribery Case Moves to Jenner & Block Law.com
简介:Andrew Rohrbach and two other prosecutors handed in a joint
-
2026-02-28 22:27:04
综合导航
成功
标题:CCS - The Premier Online Skate Shop for Skateboards & Skate Gear
简介:CCS is your go-to retailer for skaters of all levels. Shop a