Understanding the Cartesian Coordinate System

The video explains the origin of the Cartesian coordinate system, inspired by René Descartes observing a fly on his ceiling. He realized that by using two perpendicular number lines, he could determine the fly's position, leading to the creation of the x and y axes with the origin at (0,0). The system was named after Descartes, and it allows for the classification of points in a two-dimensional plane using x and y coordinates.

What inspired René Descartes to develop the Cartesian coordinate system?

• A fly landing on his ceiling

• A spider weaving a web

• A leaf falling from a tree

• A bird flying outside his window

How did Descartes propose to find the position of the fly?

• By measuring the distance from the wall

• By counting the number of squares horizontally and vertically

• By using a compass

• By estimating the angle of the fly's path

What are the two axes called in the Cartesian coordinate system?

• X-axis and Y-axis

• Alpha and Beta

• Horizontal and Vertical

• North and South

Where do the x-axis and y-axis intersect in the Cartesian coordinate system?

• At the endpoint

• At point (1,1)

• At the origin (0,0)

• At the midpoint

What is another name for the Cartesian coordinate system?

• Polar coordinate system

• Rectangular coordinate system

• Spherical coordinate system

• Cylindrical coordinate system

How is a point classified in the Cartesian coordinate system?

• By its distance from the origin

• By its x and y coordinates

• By its color

• By its angle from the x-axis