x-axis

(thing) by lovebear (?) Fri Jan 21 2000 at 19:26:32
In two-dimensional geometry, the line represented by the equation y=0.
(thing) by Lord Brawl (2.8 d) Sun Jan 23 2000 at 7:36:57
Actually, it's not necessary that the equation be y=0, but rather y=n, with n a constant. Further, in a polar graph, the x-axis is often the outer circle, and therefore the equation is r=n, where r is the radius and n a constant.
(idea) by TMA (6.2 y) Sun Jan 23 2000 at 10:14:19
Really, the variable doesn't have to be x. The x-axis is where the independent variable is plotted. So one can see what happens as the independent variable varies. Time is often a good independent variable.

Some folks use the terms ordinate and abcissa to refer to the axes. Usually these folks are high school math teachers who have run out of interesting things to teach.

Y'know, if you log in, you can write something here, or contact authors directly on the site. Create a New User if you don't already have an account.