Why does my child write (−4, 3) for the point (3, −4)?
Your child swaps a point's coordinates, such as reading (3, −4) as (−4, 3).
Why children do it
Both numbers are steps on a grid, so the order can seem not to matter. But coordinates always go across first, then up or down: (3, −4) is 3 to the right and 4 down, and (−4, 3) is a different point altogether. Saying the moves out loud, left or right and then up or down, keeps them in order.
How to help at home
Ask them to say the moves out loud: left or right first, then up or down. (3, −4) is 3 right, then 4 down.
The right way
Start at the origin, (0, 0). Move 4 to the right and 2 up. What are the coordinates of the point you reach?
- (4, 2)Across 4 to the right, so x is 4. Then 2 up, so y is 2.
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