What is an ordered pair?

An ordered pair is defined as a pair of numbers that specifically describes the location of a point on the coordinate plane. In mathematics, particularly in geometry and algebra, the ordered pair is typically written in the form (x, y), where 'x' represents the horizontal position and 'y' represents the vertical position of the point relative to the origin (0,0). The order of the numbers is crucial, as reversing them would give a different point.

This concept is foundational in coordinate geometry, where points are plotted in two-dimensional space, allowing for the representation of relationships and the analysis of geometric figures. Understanding ordered pairs is essential for subjects involving graphs, functions, and analytical geometry.