Abcissa in Coordinate Geometry
In Coordinate Geometry, the term 'abscissa' refers to the x-coordinate of a point on a plane. It is the horizontal distance of a point from the y-axis. The term 'abscissa' is derived from the Latin word 'abscindere,' which means 'to cut off.'
The Cartesian Coordinate System
The Cartesian Coordinate System, also called the rectangular coordinate system, is a system used to plot and locate points in a plane. It consists of two perpendicular number lines called the x-axis and y-axis. The point where the two axes intersect is called the origin, which has coordinates (0,0).
How to Find the Abcissa
To find the abscissa of a point on the plane, you need to follow these steps:
- Locate the point on the plane.
- Draw a vertical line from the point to the x-axis.
- Measure the distance between the point and the y-axis along the x-axis.
- The distance measured is the abscissa of the point.
Examples
Let's take an example:
Consider a point P on the plane with coordinates (3,4). To find the abscissa of point P, follow these steps:
- Locate the point P on the plane.
- Draw a vertical line from point P to the x-axis.
- Measure the distance between point P and the y-axis along the x-axis.
- The distance measured is the abscissa of point P, which is 3.
Therefore, the abscissa of point P is 3.
Conclusion
The abscissa is an essential concept in Coordinate Geometry, which helps to locate and plot points on the plane. It is the x-coordinate of a point and represents the horizontal distance of a point from the y-axis.