Axes of coordinates, also referred to as coordinate axes, is a fundamental concept in mathematics and geometry that helps establish a coordinate system. A coordinate system consists of two or three perpendicular lines intersecting at a common point, forming a reference framework to locate and describe points or objects in space.
In a two-dimensional coordinate system, there are two axes, usually represented as horizontal and vertical lines. The horizontal axis, often known as the x-axis, is a line segment that extends infinitely from left to right, with the origin at its midpoint. The vertical axis, commonly referred to as the y-axis, is a line segment intersecting the x-axis perpendicularly, extending infinitely upwards and downwards from the origin.
In a three-dimensional coordinate system, there is an additional axis, the z-axis, which represents the third dimension orthogonal to both the x and y-axes. This forms a three-dimensional coordinate system used to locate and describe points in 3D space.
Each axis of coordinates is assigned a value system. The x-axis typically represents the horizontal or left-right direction and is associated with numerical values horizontally from left to right. The y-axis represents the vertical or up-down direction, and its numerical values increase or decrease vertically. Similarly, the z-axis's numerical values increase or decrease in the third dimension, providing depth or elevation to the system.
Axes of coordinates allow for precise labeling and description of points, vectors, lines, or shapes in mathematics, physics, engineering, and other fields. They are essential tools for graphing functions, plotting data points, measuring distances, and performing geometric calculations.
