Ordered pair

Definition

An ordered pair is a set of two numbers written in a specific order, usually as (x, y), which represents a point in the rectangular coordinate system. The first number corresponds to the x-coordinate and the second to the y-coordinate.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The x-coordinate indicates horizontal position, while the y-coordinate indicates vertical position.
2. Ordered pairs are used to plot points on the Cartesian plane.
3. The origin of the coordinate system is represented by the ordered pair (0, 0).
4. In function notation, ordered pairs often represent input-output pairs such that if f(x) = y, then (x, y) is an ordered pair.
5. Ordered pairs can also be used to solve systems of equations graphically by identifying intersection points.

Review Questions

• What does each element in an ordered pair represent?
• How would you plot the ordered pair (-3, 4) on a Cartesian plane?
• Explain how ordered pairs are used in function notation.

Related terms

Cartesian Plane: A two-dimensional plane formed by two perpendicular axes: the x-axis and the y-axis.

Function Notation: A way to denote functions in mathematics using symbols like f(x) where f represents the function and x represents the input.

Domain: \text{The set of all possible input values (x-values) for which a function is defined.}