How many sections does the Cartesian coordinate plane divide into?

The Cartesian coordinate plane is divided into four distinct sections, known as quadrants. These quadrants are formed by the intersection of the x-axis (horizontal) and the y-axis (vertical) at the origin (0,0).

Each quadrant is identified based on the signs of the coordinates (x and y). The first quadrant contains positive values for both coordinates, the second quadrant has negative x values and positive y values, the third quadrant has negative values for both coordinates, and the fourth quadrant contains positive x values and negative y values.

This division is fundamental in various fields, such as mathematics and engineering, as it allows for the clear organization of points in two-dimensional space. Understanding the quadrants is essential for graphing functions, analyzing geometric shapes, and solving equations involving two variables.