Why is it x-axis and y-axis!?

Question

Why is it called the x-axis and y-axis, instead of a-axis and
b-axis! If you know please answer! If you find it on a website please put the website! I rreeaallyy need it!

Answer 1

Hi,

Well, remember that in an equation with just two variables, a independent variable and a dependent variable, the independent variable is typically called x, and the dependent variable is typically called y. So the axis where we pick the independent variable is called the x-axis, and the axis where the dependent variable is plotted is called the y-axis.

Can I guarantee this answer? No. I've never heard your question posed before, which of course does NOT make it a bad question. Nevertheless, I'd be willing to bet that I'm pretty close to the mark.

James :-)

Answer 2

The independent variable was called generally x and the dependent variable was called y, since y follows x (depends). While graphing, the independent variable like time is plotted along the horizontal axis and thus became the x - axis, indicating that it is the independent variable. The dependent variable (like the distance covered for example) is plotted perpendicular to the horizontal axis and is logically called the y-axis and the third variable if present is called the z-axis which is mutually perpendicular to both x and y- axes.

Answer 3

for a case of a constant X-axis, at say qnty 2 as constant and so a straaight from x - axis going aupward X=2 going upward. is x axis the new dependendt variable or does the below diagram hold?http://mathbench.umd.edu/modules/visualization_graph/page02.htm

Answer 4

There is no reason. They call different things random letters in math. They just chose X,Y, and Z for the 3 primary axis. They also use the for variables.

They use I,J, and K for vector componants

a,b,c,d... are used mainly for constants and unknown, non-variable numbers.

when you get into higher levels of math, they tend to start running out of letters, then use greek, then still run out, and they double them up and such. Its pretty annoying.

Its just by convention. why those letters? just convenience.

There are no set rules though. You can call anything you want anything you want. You could make your own symbols/names and the math would still work.

Answer 5

It is because the coordinates are labeled (x,y) when you are doing the problems. This makes it easier when you are trying to plot them on a graph, if you start getting too many letters it will get confusing and you will mess up. If you just stick to the simple x and y then it is much easier.

Other letters are used for different things as well, its just easier to use x and y for unknown numbers so you can use the other more usefull letters for other things, such as A, A=Acceleration.

Answer 6

Because in simple equations (which can be shown as graphs), the two variaables are usualy called x and y. Now, that begs the question, why are THEY called x and y. I guess it's because they are relatively seldom used letters so are less likely to be confused with other things you may be writing.