The x and y axes divide the coordinate plane into four sections called quadrants, numbered I through IV going counter-clockwise from the top right.
Quadrant I (top right): both x and y are positive (+, +). Quadrant II (top left): x negative, y positive (−, +). Quadrant III (bottom left): both negative (−, −). Quadrant IV (bottom right): x positive, y negative (+, −).
Points that sit directly on an axis are not in any quadrant. A point with x = 0 is on the y-axis. A point with y = 0 is on the x-axis.
Remember
Start at Quadrant I (top right, both positive) and go counter-clockwise. The signs follow a pattern: +/+, −/+, −/−, +/−.
Real World
Weather maps and GPS systems use coordinate grids. North-East is like Quadrant I — both directions positive. South-West is like Quadrant III.
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