Plot ordered pairs from a table of values

Given a table pairing input and output values, the learner interprets each row as an ordered pair $(x,y)$ and locates it on a coordinate plane, using the horizontal $x$ -coordinate and vertical $y$ -coordinate with an appropriate scale, including negative or fractional values when present. Accurate plotting preserves the correspondence between quantities and provides a visual representation of a linear relationship that can be connected to patterns and equations; advanced function notation and curve analysis are not included.

Detailed Explanation: Plot ordered pairs from a table of values

A table of values gives matching $x$ - and $y$ -coordinates. Each row becomes one ordered pair:

(x,y)

The $x$ -coordinate tells you how far to move horizontally. The $y$ -coordinate tells you how far to move vertically.

Example

Plot the values in this table:

$x$	$y$
$-2$	$4$
$-1$	$2$
$0$	$0$
$1$	$-2$
$2$	$-4$

Step 1: Turn each row into an ordered pair

Read the $x$ -value first and the $y$ -value second:

(-2,4),\quad (-1,2),\quad (0,0),\quad (1,-2),\quad (2,-4)

Step 2: Check the scale

Use a coordinate plane with each grid line representing $1$ unit on both axes. The horizontal axis is the $x$ -axis, and the vertical axis is the $y$ -axis.

Step 3: Plot each point

Start at the origin, $(0,0)$ .

For $(-2,4)$ , move $2$ units left, then $4$ units up.
For $(-1,2)$ , move $1$ unit left, then $2$ units up.
For $(0,0)$ , stay at the origin.
For $(1,-2)$ , move $1$ unit right, then $2$ units down.
For $(2,-4)$ , move $2$ units right, then $4$ units down.

Place a dot at each location and label it if needed. Always move horizontally using the first number, $x$ , and vertically using the second number, $y$ . Keeping the values in the correct order makes sure each point matches its row in the table.

Learn by doing: Plot ordered pairs from a table of values

Click a topic below to practice the foundational skills you'll need, learn the steps, or master this skill

Practice with unlimited practice problems

Graphing - Create Scatter Plot from Data Set

Earned ?