Year 4 - Maths
Draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant
Coordinates
Study Hub
Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will give directions from one position to another on a grid and move objects including polygons on a grid according to directions, and mark the new position. They will describe and draw polygons specified by translations.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to draw polygons specified by coordinates in the first quadrant.
Key Notes
- The first digit in the coordinate gives the horizontal distance from the origin along the x-axis.
- The second digit in the coordinate gives the vertical distance from the origin along the y-axis.
- Use a ruler to join the points you have plotted to form a polygon.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Polygon: A polygon is a 2D shape made up of three or more straight lines.
- Vertex / vertices: A vertex is the point where two lines meet. The plural is vertices.
- Coordinate: Coordinates are a set of values that show an exact position.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may mistakenly plot the y-coordinate (vertical distance) first, then the x-coordinate (horizontal distance), leading to incorrect point placement.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Solve this in steps: explain the method from this lesson and why each step matters.
The first digit in the coordinate gives the horizontal distance from the origin along the x-axis. The second digit in the coordinate gives the vertical distance from the origin along the y-axis.
2. Use this key word in a maths sentence and explain it clearly. 'Polygon'
A polygon is a 2D shape made up of three or more straight lines. Use this word when showing your method, then check your final answer is reasonable.
3. Spot and fix this common maths mistake.
Mistake: Pupils may mistakenly plot the y-coordinate (vertical distance) first, then the x-coordinate (horizontal distance), leading to incorrect point placement. Correction: Reinforce that the x-coordinate comes first by using mnemonics such as "X before Y, along the ground before you fly." Practice plotting a few points together as a class to build this habit.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Complete polygons with missing coordinates Study Guide
- Describe translations of polygons drawn on a square grid Study Guide
- Draw polygons specified by translations Study Guide
- Give directions from one position to another on a grid Study Guide
- Mark the position of points specified by coordinates in the first quadrant of a coordinate grid Study Guide
- Move objects including polygons on a grid according to directions and mark the new position Study Guide
- Solve problems involving marking and translating points in the first quadrant on a coordinate grid Study Guide
- Translate polygons in the first quadrant Study Guide
- Write coordinates for already marked points in the first quadrant of a coordinate grid Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 4 Maths guide library.