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Table of Contents

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Definition

Coordinates are numerical values or quantities that specify the position in space.

Cartesian(Descartes) Coordinate system

Cartesian coordinate system uses perpendicular lines(axes) that intersect at a point called the origin $(0,0,0)$.

Using this system, we can specify any position in space by measuring the distances from the origin (start point) along the axes($x$, $y$, $z$).

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Components (Cartesian Coordinate system)

• Origin
• Axis
• Direction of axis
• Unit </aside>

A coordinate system provides a “frame of reference” for describing vectors.

• 2D coordinate system has 2 axes ($x$ & $y$).
• 3D coordinate system adds 3rd axis ($z$).