Introduction

This is a chameleon named Sam:

Like most chameleons, he likes to find bugs to eat. But Sam likes to find other things, too. Right now Sam is looking for the answer to a history question. He wants to know where the coordinate plane came from. We hope you will enjoy the search, too!

The story of the coordinate plane is complicated, and involves both algebra and geometry. If you have questions, you can check the glossary for definitions of words, or look at the list of links for more information. The index of people has short biographies of many important people in the history of the coordinate plane, and the timeline shows how different events fit together. If you're still lost, Dr. Math may be able to help.

Parents and teachers should look at the note to adults.