It is asking you to work out the coordinates of the other two vertices of the square.
Let's practise
The points P and Q are two vertices of the base of a square.
Find the position of the other two vertices.
( , )and( , )
- Read the question and then read it again. What is it asking you to do?
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- The two coordinates for the base of the square are given. What are they?
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Point P is 4 along the negative part of the x axis and 2 up the y axis. The coordinates are (–4,2). Point Q is 2 along the x axis and 2 up the y axis. The coordinates are (2,2).
- The name of the shape is given. Think about the properties of the shape.
How does this help you?
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The shape is a square so the lengths of the sides are equal.
The base is 6 units long, so all the sides must be 6 units long.
- Use these facts to help find the missing coordinates.
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The x coordinate of the vertex directly above P must be the same because the vertex is a right angle. You can count 6 squares up the y axis.
The coordinates are (–4,8).
The last vertex must be 6 squares up the y axis above Q.
The coordinates are (2,8).
- What is your answer?
Check your working.
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(–4,8) and (2,8).
The distance between the coordinates on the x axis is also 6 units long, so all sides are the same length.