READING COMPREHENSION 4

A Cartesian coordinate system

A Cartesian coordinate system in two dimensions is commonly defined by two axes, at right angles to each other, forming a plane (an xy-plane). The horizontal axis is normally labeled x, and the vertical axis is normally labeled y. In a three dimensional coordinate system, another axis, normally labeled z, is added, providing a third dimension of space measurement. All the points in a Cartesian coordinate system taken together form a so-called Cartesian plane. Equations that use the Cartesian coordinate system are called Cartesian equations.

With the use of the Cartesian coordinate system, geometric shapes (such as curves) can be described by algebraic equations, namely equations satisfied by the coordinates of the points lying on the shape. For example, the circle of radius 2 may be described by the equation x(squared) + y(squared) = 4.

The word Cartesian derives from the name of the French mathematician and philosopher René Descartes (died 1650), who worked to merge algebra and Euclidean geometry. This work was influential in the development of analytic geometry, calculus, and cartography.

1. Cartography is

A. the making of maps and charts.
B. the making of vehicles.
C. drawing lines on a Cartesian plane.
D. penmanship.

2. The Cartesian coordinate system combines geometry with

A. arithmetic.
B. division.
C. addition.
D. algebra.

3. The Latin word origin of geometry meant

A. measure shapes.
B. earth pictures.
C. measure land (or earth).
D. earth relationships.

4. The Cartesian coordinate system

A. was the work of Euclid.
B. coordinates x with y.
C. explains Euclid.
D. followed the development of calculus.