The axes are commonly defined as mutually orthogonal to each other (each at a right angle to the other). In a three–dimensional coordinate system, another axis, normally labeled z, is added, providing a third dimension of space measurement. The horizontal axis is normally labeled x, and the vertical axis is normally labeled y. infinitely).Ī Cartesian coordinate system in two dimensions is commonly defined by two axes, at right angles to each other, forming a plane (an xy-plane). The arrows on the axes indicate that they extend forever in their respective directions (i.e. 3 - The four quadrants of a Cartesian coordinate system. In La Géométrie, he further explores the above-mentioned concepts.įig. In part two of his Discourse on Method, Descartes introduces the new idea of specifying the position of a point or object on a surface, using two intersecting axes as measuring guides. The idea of this system was developed in 1637 in two writings by Descartes.

$geometry x and y axis$

This work was influential in the development of analytic geometry, calculus, and cartography. For example, a circle of radius 2 may be described by the equation x² + y² = 4 (see Figure 2).Ĭartesian means relating to the French mathematician and philosopher René Descartes (Latin: Cartesius), who, among other things, worked to merge algebra and Euclidean geometry. Using the Cartesian coordinate system, geometric shapes (such as curves) can be described by algebraic equations, namely equations satisfied by the coordinates of the points lying on the shape. The equation of the circle is x² + y² = 4. 2 - Cartesian coordinate system with the circle of radius 2 centered at the origin marked in red.

Geometry x and y axis