In Cartesian plane, the point (-2, -3) lies in which quadrant ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The Cartesian plane is divided into four quadrants by the x-axis and y-axis. The position of a point (x, y) in these quadrants is determined by the signs of its x and y coordinates. Let's analyze the given point (-2, -3): Here, the x-coordinate is -2, which is negative (x < 0). The y-coordinate is -3, which is also negative (y < 0). Now, let's examine the characteristics of each quadrant: 1. **First Quadrant:** In this quadrant, both the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate are positive (x > 0, y > 0). For example, a point like (2, 3) would lie in the First Quadrant. Since the given point (-2, -3) has both negative x and y coordinates, it does not lie in the First Quadrant. Therefore, Option 1 is incorrect. 2. **Second Quadrant:** In this quadrant, the x-coordinate is negative, and the y-coordinate is positive (x < 0, y > 0). For example, a point like (-2, 3) would lie in the Second Quadrant. Since the given point (-2, -3) has a negative y-coordinate, it does not lie in the Second Quadrant. Therefore, Option 2 is incorrect. 3. **Third Quadrant:** In this quadrant, both the x-coordinate and the y-coordinate are negative (x < 0, y < 0). The given point is (-2, -3). Here, x = -2 (which is negative) and y = -3 (which is negative). This perfectly matches the definition of the Third Quadrant. Therefore, Option 3 is correct. 4. **Fourth Quadrant:** In this quadrant, the x-coordinate is positive, and the y-coordinate is negative (x > 0, y < 0). For example, a point like (2, -3) would lie in the Fourth Quadrant. Since the given point (-2, -3) has a negative x-coordinate, it does not lie in the Fourth Quadrant. Therefore, Option 4 is incorrect. Based on the signs of its coordinates (negative x, negative y), the point (-2, -3) lies in the Third Quadrant. The final answer is $\boxed{ ext{Option 3}}$