1. Let's start by understanding the problem: graphing in the Cartesian plane means plotting points using coordinates $(x,y)$ where $x$ is the horizontal position and $y$ is the vertical position. 2. The formula to plot a point is simply the coordinate pair $(x,y)$. 3. Important rules: - The $x$-axis runs left to right. - The $y$-axis runs bottom to top. - The origin is at $(0,0)$ where the axes cross. 4. To graph a point, find $x$ on the horizontal axis, then move vertically to $y$. 5. For example, to graph the point $(3,2)$: - Move 3 units right on the $x$-axis. - Move 2 units up on the $y$-axis. - Mark the point there. 6. To graph a line, use the equation of the line, for example $y=2x+1$: - Find points by plugging in values for $x$ and calculating $y$. - Plot those points. - Draw a straight line through them. 7. Practice by plotting points and lines to get comfortable with the Cartesian plane. This is the basic introduction to graphing in the Cartesian plane.