The Cartesian plane (or the x-y plane) is a two-line graph on which you plot ordered pairs. The two intersecting lines of the Cartesian plane make four distinct graph quadrants.
In this article, we’ll discuss what graph quadrants are, how to manipulate data points on graph quadrants, and walk through some sample graph quadrant problems.
What Are the 4 Graph Quadrants?
The two lines on the Cartesian plane form four graph quadrants. In this section, we’ll discuss the graph quadrant definition and define each part of the plane.
Quadrant Definition
A quadrant is one of the four sections on a Cartesian plane. Each quadrant includes a combination of positive and negative values for x and y.
The 4 Graph Quadrants
There are four graph quadrants that make up the Cartesian plane. Each graph quadrant has a distinct combination of positive and negative values.
Here are the graph quadrants and their values:
Quadrant I: The first quadrant is in the upper right-hand corner of the plane. Both x and y have positive values in this quadrant.
Quadrant II: The second quadrant is in the upper left-hand corner of the plane. X has negative values in this quadrant and y has positive values.
Quadrant III: The third quadrant is in the bottom left corner. Both x and y have negative values in this quadrant.
Quadrant IV: The fourth quadrant is in the bottom right corner. X has positive values in this quadrant and y has negative values.
Graph Quadrants Diagram
In this diagram, you can see the four graph quadrants, along with whether or not x and y are positive and negative.
Graph Quadrant Numbers, Explained
Numbers are plotted on graph quadrants in what are known as ordered pairs. An ordered pair consists of two values, x and y. In an ordered pair, x is always the first value and y is always the second value. In the ordered pair (5, -2) for instance, 5 is the x value and -2 is the y value.
When plotting an ordered pair, the x value refers to the pair’s horizontal position on the graph. The y value refers to the vertical position.
See how the pair (5, -2) looks when plotted.
Graph Quadrants Example Problems
Using the following graph quadrant diagram, identify the quadrants for the following ordered pairs.
| Ordered Pair | Quadrant |
| (-9, 11) | |
| (4, 8) | |
| (-3, -4) |
Graph Quadrants Example Problems: Answers
Find the answers for the above graph quadrants example problems below.
| Ordered Pair | Quadrant |
| (-9, 11) | II |
| (4, 8) | I |
| (-3, -4) | III |
Math Quadrants: Key Takeaways
A math quadrant is another phrase for a graph quadrant. A graph quadrant is one of four sections on a Cartesian plane.
Each of the four sections has a specific combination of negative and positive values for x and y.
You plot an ordered pair on graph quadrants. Ordered pairs have x and y values. X is the first value in an ordered pair; y is the second.
What's Next?
Want to brush up on other basic math skills? Then check out our expert guides on how to add and subtract fractions and how to use the acceleration formula.
Need help preparing for the SAT/ACT Math section? Learn everything you need to know about what kinds of topics are tested on SAT Math and ACT Math.
