Ordinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
ordinate
[หษหrdษชnษt ]
Definition
mathematics, coordinates
In mathematics, an 'ordinate' refers to the second element of an ordered pair, particularly in the Cartesian coordinate system. It represents the vertical position of a point in relation to a given reference. In a two-dimensional space, an ordinate is paired with an abscissa, which indicates the horizontal position. The ordinate is often denoted by the letter 'y' in mathematical equations and graphs. Understanding ordinates is essential for interpreting graphs and solving geometry problems.
Synonyms
vertical coordinate, y-coordinate.
Examples of usage
- The point has coordinates (3, 4), where 4 is the ordinate.
- On the graph, the ordinate represents the height above the x-axis.
- To find the ordinate, input the corresponding value into the equation.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- In two-dimensional systems, an ordinate is the second number in an (x, y) coordinate pair.
- It helps to plot points on graphs, essential for functions and data representation.
- Graphing involves both ordinates and abscissas to define locations accurately.
Science
- Ordinates are fundamental in fields like physics when mapping forces or trajectories.
- They are also used in computer graphics to determine where objects appear on the screen.
- In statistics, ordinates help visually represent data points in scatter plots.
Literature
- Writers sometimes use 'ordinate' metaphorically to discuss order in narratives or plots.
- In poetry, the concept of order and arrangement can reflect emotional tone or theme, akin to mathematical layout.
- Analytical literature uses visual representations often involving ordinates to discuss themes and character placements.
Origin of 'ordinate'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'ordinatus', meaning to arrange or order.
- It has been used in mathematics since the 17th century to describe positions in a grid.
- It relates closely to the term 'abscissa', which refers to the horizontal value in a coordinate pair.
The term 'ordinate' originates from the Latin word 'ordinatus', which is the past participle of 'ordinare', meaning 'to arrange' or 'to order'. This etymology relates to the idea of positioning points in a systematic way on a coordinate grid. The use of 'ordinate' in the context of mathematics was solidified during the development of the Cartesian coordinate system by Renรฉ Descartes in the 17th century. With the introduction of this system, the concept of ordered pairs was formalized, and 'ordinate' became a standard term for the vertical component of such pairs. Its usage has been prevalent in various fields including physics, engineering, and computer science, where precise navigation and representation in a two-dimensional plane are crucial.