
Descartes' coordinate system
Descartes' coordinate system, also known as Cartesian coordinates, is a way to locate points in space using two or more numbers called coordinates. In a two-dimensional plane, it uses an x-axis (horizontal) and y-axis (vertical), where each point is defined by its distance from these axes. Think of it as an invisible grid over a map, allowing you to identify exact locations with pairs of numbers, like (3, 2). This system simplifies describing positions mathematically and is fundamental in fields like geometry, engineering, and computer graphics.