If x > 0 and y > 0, the point (−x, y) lies in which quadrant?

Correct answer: 2nd. The x-coordinate is negative and the y-coordinate is positive, which is the 2nd quadrant.

Background: Quadrants go anticlockwise from the top right.

• 1st: The 1st quadrant has both positive.
• 3rd: The 3rd quadrant has both negative.
• 4th: The 4th quadrant has x positive and y negative.

Did you know? A memory aid is “All Students Take Calculus”.

Memory trick: (−, +) = 2nd quadrant.