Solve problems on a coordinate grid
Reading a graph for what it means is a skill that will stay with your child long after school, because graphs are how science, sports, news, and money share information. Knowing that (3, 6) says a plant was 6 centimeters tall after 3 weeks prepares them for graphing patterns and ratios in 6th grade, and for the graphs of relationships throughout middle school math and science.
In this video, your child will learn to solve problems by graphing points.
The lesson stops at each question for your child's answer.
Three problems, each a little harder
Each problem is worked step by step. Your child will solve the last one before Bobby shows how.
Example 1
P is at (5, 3). L is at (8, 3). How many blocks from P to L?
Example 2
Lee is at (1, 2) after 1 hour and at (3, 6) after 3 hours. How many more miles did Lee hike?
Your child's turn
M is at (1, 2). G is at (6, 5). How many blocks from M to G, along the lines?
The three key steps
- 1Put the points on the grid.
- 2Count blocks along the lines.
- 3Or subtract: x's across, y's up
Mistakes to listen for
- Ignoring the scale on an axis, so the third line reads as 3 when the axis counts by 5s and means 15.
- Plotting (3, 6) correctly but describing it only as "3 across and 6 up," not "6 centimeters after 3 weeks."
- Putting the quantities on the wrong axes, with weeks up the side and heights along the bottom, reversing every point.
The lesson shows every step, so your child sees why it works. Read our parent's guide to plotting real-life points on a grid →
Is your child ready to practice what they've learned?
Bobby's Math Club offers unlimited practice for free.
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More 5th grade Geometry, with questions your child answers along the way.
Questions parents ask
Does my child need an account to watch?
No. You can watch this on any device at any time. If your child would like to practice plotting real-life points on a grid, and you'd like parent-friendly reports on your child's progress and growth, you can join Bobby's Math Club for unlimited free practice.
What happens when my child answers a question?
A right answer gets a cheer, and the lesson carries on. If your child isn't sure, they can tap "I don't know yet", and Bobby gives the answer and shows another example. Nothing is scored or stored.
Is this the same lesson that's on YouTube?
Yes. Here, the lesson stops at each question and waits for your child to answer. On YouTube, each question stays on screen for a few seconds, and then the lesson plays on.
Where can I learn more?
There's a short, kid-friendly lesson like this one for every Pre-K to 5th grade math skill, all in our video library. Our parent's guide to plotting real-life points on a grid has more on where kids get stuck and how you can help at home. In the club, your child practices at just the right level, about five minutes a day, and you get parent-friendly reports as they grow. Learn more about how it works →
Practice plotting real-life points on a grid
Questions at your child's level, about five minutes a day, on plotting real-life points on a grid and whatever PK-5 skills they need to develop. Unlimited practice, free forever.
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