In coordinate geometry, the Cartesian coordinate system is used to plot points on a graph. It consists of two perpendicular number lines called the x-axis and the y-axis. The intersection point of these axes is called the origin. Points on the plane are represented by their x and y coordinates, where the x-coordinate tells us how far to move horizontally from the origin and the y-coordinate tells us how far to move vertically.

To read a point, we start at the origin and move horizontally according to the x-coordinate and then vertically according to the y-coordinate. For example, the point (3, 4) means moving 3 units to the right and 4 units upwards from the origin. We can plot this point by starting at the origin and making the required movements. Remember to label the axes to provide a visual reference.

Let's practice with an example. Plot the point (7, -2) on the coordinate plane.

With the x-coordinate 7, we move 7 units to the right, and with the y-coordinate -2, we move 2 units downwards. This lands us at the point (7, -2) on the graph.