Exercise 2 Page 151

In an $(x,y)$ ordered pair, the first number shows the $x\text{-}$coordinate and the second number shows the $y\text{-}$coordinate.

$x\text{-}$coordinate

To graph $(\text{-}2,1),$ we first find $\text{-}2$ on the $x\text{-}$axis and make a mental note of this $\text{grid line}.$ The $x\text{-}$coordinate $\text{-}2$ tells us to move two units left.

$y\text{-}$coordinate

Next, we find $1$ on the $y\text{-}$axis and follow this $\text{grid line}$ until it intersects with the grid line from our $x\text{-}$coordinate. The $y\text{-}$coordinate $1$ tells us to move one unit up.

The point $(\text{-}2,1)$ lies on the point at which these two grid lines intersect.