Coordinates in Space

A rectangular coordinate system in three-dimensional space has three axes: x, y, z. Each axis has an arrowhead on the end indicating the positive direction. When scaling the axes, we make the scale the same for the y and z-axis. To give the illusion of depth, we make the scale of the x axis two-thirds of the others.

We must have a way to graph a point so that it does not appear the same as on a two-dimensional graph. We accomplish this by constructing a 3-D box where one corner of the box represents the point.

Ex. Plot the point (-3, 2, 4)

Begin by drawing a line from the origin to x = -3, y = 2, and z = 4. (Blue lines)

Next, from every point (corner) construct a parallel line to each axis. In other words, there should be 3 lines coming from each point (corner).

Finally, be sure to circle the corner of the box, or in some way indicate, which corner represents the point and label it as such.