Cartesian coordinates

In coordinate geometry, components used to define the position of a point by its perpendicular distance from a set of two or more axes, or reference lines. For a two-dimensional area defined by two axes at right angles (a horizontal x-axis and a vertical y-axis), the coordinates of a point are given by its perpendicular distances from the y-axis and x-axis, written in the form (x,y). For example, a point P that lies three units from the y-axis and four units from the x-axis has Cartesian coordinates (3,4) (see abscissa and ordinate).

The Cartesian coordinate system can be extended to any finite number of dimensions (axes), and is used thus in theoretical mathematics. Coordinates can be negative numbers, or a positive and a negative; for example (-4, -7), where the point would be to the left of and below zero on the axes. In three-dimensional coordinate geometry, points are located with reference to a third, z-axis, mutually at right angles to the x and y axes.

Cartesian coordinates are named after the French mathematician, René Descartes. The system is useful in creating technical drawings of machines or buildings, and in computer-aided design (CAD).