Cartesian coordinate system

American  

noun

1. Mathematics. a method of using coordinates for locating a point on a plane by its distance from each of two intersecting lines, or in space by its distance from each of three planes intersecting at a point. Compare polar coordinate system.

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Cartesian coordinate system Scientific  

/ kär-tē′zhən /

1. A system in which the location of a point is given by coordinates that represent its distances from perpendicular lines that intersect at a point called the origin. A Cartesian coordinate system in a plane has two perpendicular lines (the x-axis and y-axis); in three-dimensional space, it has three (the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis).

2. Compare polar coordinate system

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Example Sentences

These systems have complicated modeling equations in the Cartesian coordinate system, which make them difficult to describe and analyze.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

The Cartesian coordinate system provides a straightforward way to describe the location of points in space.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

The Cartesian coordinate system, also called the rectangular coordinate system, is based on a two-dimensional plane consisting of the x-axis and the y-axis.

From Textbooks • Feb. 13, 2015

While there is evidence that ideas similar to Descartes’ grid system existed centuries earlier, it was Descartes who introduced the components that comprise the Cartesian coordinate system, a grid system having perpendicular axes.

From Textbooks • Feb. 13, 2015

Is it possible for a point plotted in the Cartesian coordinate system to not lie in one of the four quadrants?

From Textbooks • Feb. 13, 2015