5th Grade · Geometry
5.G.A.1: Find and plot points on a coordinate grid, like (6, 3)
5.G.A.1 is a 5th grade Common Core math standard in Geometry. Here’s what it really covers, and how you can help your students learn it.
By Robert “Bobby” BarnettMath teacher, parent, and founder of Bobby’s Math Club
The standard
Use a pair of perpendicular number lines, called axes, to define a coordinate system, with the intersection of the lines (the origin) arranged to coincide with the 0 on each line and a given point in the plane located by using an ordered pair of numbers, called its coordinates. Understand that the first number indicates how far to travel from the origin in the direction of one axis, and the second number indicates how far to travel in the direction of the second axis, with the convention that the names of the two axes and the coordinates correspond (e.g., x-axis and x-coordinate, y-axis and y-coordinate).
In plain words
Find and plot points on a coordinate grid, like (6, 3).
Sample questions from student practice
These questions from Bobby's Math Club are the kinds of questions your students will see. You can try answering them to see what a student might see.
Question 1 of 3
In the coordinate plane, the point (4, 2) is plotted. What does the number 2 in this ordered pair represent?
- The total distance from the origin to the point.
- The distance up from the x-axis.
- The distance right from the y-axis.
Where students can get stuck
- Going up first and then across, so the point (6, 3) gets plotted where (3, 6) belongs.
- Starting the count at 1 at the origin instead of 0, so every point lands one step too far each way.
- Starting each point from the last one instead of the origin, so (4, 5) gets counted from (2, 3).
Effective teaching strategies
- Mark a grid on the floor with tape and have students walk to (6, 3) from the origin, going 6 across and then 3 up.
- Ask students to label the origin 0 and count the spaces they move, not the lines, so (4, 5) is 4 across and 5 up from zero.
- Give students (3, 6) and (6, 3) to plot on the same grid, and ask how the two points differ so they see that order matters.
Units that teach this standard
Find where 5.G.A.1 lands in the program you teach. Each unit has a guide written for families. Unit names and order vary between editions and districts, so your school’s own materials have the exact sequence.
Bridges in Mathematics
enVision Mathematics
Everyday Mathematics
i-Ready Classroom Mathematics
Illustrative Mathematics
Into Math
Math Expressions
Reveal Math
Don’t see your curriculum? Contact Bobby and we’ll see if we can help!
Share it with families
Families can read Finding points on a grid, like (6, 3) for a plain-language look at this skill, with three questions to try together and ideas for helping at home.
Help every student practice geometry at home
In Bobby's Math Club, students practice at just the right level, with a hint when they need one, a clear explanation after every question, and kid-friendly videos. Unlimited practice is free for every family.
See how it works for teachers
Written by Robert “Bobby” Barnett
Bobby is an award-winning math teacher, the author of Meet Every Learner’s Needs, and the father of two elementary-school math learners. He uses Bobby’s Math Club with his own kids a few times every week. Learn more or contact Bobby.