Points on the Axes and at Origin
A point on the x-axis has y-coordinate 0, a point on the y-axis has x-coordinate 0, and the origin has coordinates (0, 0).
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
Points on axes are special because one movement is absent. On the x-axis, there is no vertical movement, so y = 0. On the y-axis, there is no horizontal movement, so x = 0. At the origin, both movements are zero.
Example
(5, 0) lies on the x-axis, (0, -3) lies on the y-axis, and (0, 0) is the origin.
Simple analogy
Zero y sits on x; zero x sits on y.
Common confusion
Students sometimes say (0, 4) lies on the x-axis because the first number is zero, but zero x means the point is on the y-axis.
Exam tip
For axis questions, remember: x-axis has y = 0, y-axis has x = 0.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of points on the axes and at origin in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define points on the axes and at origin and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain points on the axes and at origin, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
Open the concept quiz intro first, review the test details, and then start a focused MCQ set from this concept only. Instant score and answer review are live now.
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