Coordinates in 1, 2 & 3 Dimensions
Summary: This lesson and
the next offers motivation for the introduction of signs. In
elementary school, people learn about whole numbers n and fractions p/q before
the use of signs. Ordered pairs of unsigned numbers may be
introduced as coordinates in the first quadrant. Introducing signs + and
- gives ordered pairs of numbers with signs as prefixes to provide coordinates
for four quadrants.
For a Line Segment or Line
Unsigned and Signed Coordinates For Line Segments
finite or infinite
For a line segment, we can measure distance from one end using unsigned
numbers.
Figure 1: Line segment with origin at left end.

The choice of which end to start the numbering or measuring gives an
orientation.
For a line segment, we can also measure distance and direction from a point
in the middle using signed coordinates.
Figure 2: Line segment with origin in middle.

Here the positive sign (+) indicates distance and direction to the right
while the negative sign (-) indicates distance and direction to the left.
One Dimensional Assumption
Geometric Assumption: An infinite line can be described
by signed coordinates with an origin (the zero point) anywhere on the
line, and the and +1 point anywhere on the line except the at the
origin. Note for later: the directed line segment from 0 to +1
defines the line orientation and the unit length for the coordinate system.)
Thus every coordinate (real number) determines a point on the line and
vice-versa. For sake of argument, we assume infinite (straight) lines exist.
For Plane Geometry
Unsigned Coordinates for Rectangular Maps
origin at corner, Unsigned Coordinates
Figure 3: Rectangular Coordinates for Maps.
Ordered pairs of numbers without signs such [1,4] or
[3,2] may be used to locate points on a map when the origin or
reference point is at the bottom left corner.

On such maps there is no need for signs. More
generally, you use coordinates such as [1.5, 3.27] or [a, b] to locate
points on the map -- provide their rectangular coordinates. Here a and b stand
for any pair of unsigned numbers including zero that may be used as
coordinates.
In the above map, the left edge of the map region give the
vertical coordinate axis while the bottom edge gives a horizontal vertical
axis for coordinate use.
The word rectangular is used above as "polar
coordinates" will be introduced later. Rectangular coordinates are also
called Cartesian Coordinates.
Signed Coordinates in the Plane
This lesson and the previous one offers motivation for
the introduction of signs. In elementary school,
people learn about whole numbers n and fractions p/q before the use of
signs. Ordered pairs of unsigned numbers may be introduced as
coordinates in the first quadrant. Introducing signs + and - gives
ordered pairs of numbers with signs as prefixes to provide coordinates for
four quadrants.
If our first map extends to the left and/or below the
origin, the horizontal and vertical coordinate axis's may be
extended. These extensions divide the map into four regions call
quadrants. To get coordinates for all four regions or quadrants we may
place signs in front of numbers. See the diagram below.
Figure 4. Plane with Signed Coordinate System
Here axes are perpendicular (orthogonal, at right angles) to
each other..

In the above map, identify the points with coordinates [+2,+1],
with coordinates [+2,-4], with coordinates [-2.5, -3] and lastly with
coordinates [-4, +3]. By convention, + signs in front of numbers are
optional. So +2 = 2 and +1 = 1.
Remark: Descartes employed pairs of unsigned numbers to locate
points in rectangular region with the origin of the coordinate system at a
corner of the rectangular region (possibly a map or a plan). The use of signed
coordinates came later. Non-negative coordinates are sufficient for
finite regions. The current mathematical habit is to write the pair of
coordinates as an ordered pair (x,y) or (a,b) where the variables a, b, x and
y will be given by real numbers.
This applet
illustrates the use of rectangular coordinates. Play with it. Move the points A
and B on it and see how their coordinates change. The coordinates are displayed
in the top left corner.
Two Dimensional Assumption
Geometric Assumption: An extended or infinite flat plane can be
covered by a rectangle coordinates using infinite lines parallel to a
horizontal and vertical axis and real numbers as coordinates to locate points
in the plane, regardless of the choice of unit length and orientation &
placement of the horizontal and vertical axes.
The foregoing assumption extrapolates our comprehension or familiarity with
finite rectangular regions. It gives a powerful numerical or algebraic
model of \work with points, lines, circles and further geometric objects in the
plane.
By describing geometry with numbers, alone, in ordered pairs
or in ordered triplets, the arithmetic properties of numbers can be used to
arrive at conclusions about geometry in one, two and three dimension via
chains of reasons as coordinates provide a precision missing in useful
but suggestive and approximately drawn diagrams on a small or large
scale.
Geometric Model *(Assumption): An extended or infinite flat plane
can covered by a rectangle coordinates using infinite lines parallel to a
horizontal and vertical axis and real numbers as coordinates to locate points
in the plane.
The foregoing assumption extrapolates our comprehension or familiarity with
finite regions regions. It gives a powerful numerical or algebraic model
of \work with points, lines, circles and further geometric objects in the
plane.
By describing geometry with numbers, alone, in ordered pairs or in ordered
triplets, the arithmetic properties of numbers can be used to arrive at
conclusions about geometry in one, two and three dimension via chains of
reasons as coordinates provide a precision missing in useful but
suggestive and approximately drawn diagrams on a small or large
scale.
C. Spatial Geometry
Figure 5. Space with Signed Coordinate System.
Image of a rectangle coordinate system with origin in middle
and signed coordinates in three mutually orthogonal directions

. In this image, the point at (a, b, c) would have positive coordinates.Cases
where one or more of the coordinates a, b and c is non-positive is left to the
reader to imagine.
Three Dimensional Assumption
Geometric Model *(Assumption): Space can covered by a rectangle
coordinates using infinite lines parallel to two horizontal and one vertical
axis and real numbers as coordinates to locate points in the plane.
Again, the foregoing assumption extrapolates our comprehension or familiarity
with finite regions in the plane and in space. . It gives a powerful
numerical or algebraic model of \work with points, lines, circles and further
geometric objects in the plane and in space.
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