- Definition
Imagine a graph with two number lines, one going across (x-axis) and one going up and down (y-axis). The "first quadrant" is the top-right section where both numbers for a point are positive.
A point at (3, 5) is in the first quadrant because you move 3 steps to the right and 5 steps up, which are both positive directions.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: The first quadrant is like the top-right corner of a treasure map where you always go right and then up to find the treasure.
Ask your child: To land in this top-right square, which two ways must you move from the center?
Common mix-up: Kids may think the quadrants are numbered like a clock. The first quadrant is always the top-right section where both numbers in the coordinate pair are positive.
Examples
- On a town map, a library located 4 blocks east and 2 blocks north is in the first quadrant.
- In a computer game, a character at position (10, 20) is in the first quadrant of the map.
first quadrant of a Cartesian plane is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
