STEM Excellence Series: Empowering the Next Generation

ABSCISSA

Abscissa

Definition of Abscissa

Abscissa is the value of the X-coordinate on a coordinate plane.
Abscissa is the value of the horizontal axis on a coordinate plane.

Examples of Abscissa

example of Abscissa
  • The ordered pair of point P is (1, 4)
  • The abscissa of the point (2, 5) is 2
  • The abscissa of the ordered pair (1, 4) is 1


Video Examples: Abscissa
 

 

Solved Example on Abscissa

Ques: Identify the abscissa of the point D.

example of Abscissa
Choices:
  • A. 4
  • B. - 4
  • C. 3
  • D. 1

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

  • Step 1: The abscissa is the value of the X-axis on the coordinate plane
  • Step 2: The ordered pair of point D is (4, - 4)
  • Step 3: So, the abscissa of point D is 4

Quick Summary

  • Abscissa is the x-value in an ordered pair (x, y).
  • It represents the horizontal position of a point.
  • It is the distance from the y-axis.
\[ P(x, y) -> Abscissa = x \]

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use visual aids like graphs and interactive tools to help students understand the concept of abscissa. Emphasize the difference between the x and y coordinates.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Coordinate Plane
  • Ordered Pairs
  • X-axis

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the abscissa of the point (3, -2)?

Q2: Which axis represents the abscissa?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between abscissa and ordinate?
A: Abscissa is the x-coordinate (horizontal position), while ordinate is the y-coordinate (vertical position).

Q: Can the abscissa be negative?
A: Yes, the abscissa can be negative, indicating a point located to the left of the y-axis.

© 2026 iCoachMath Global Math Glossary. All Rights Reserved.