Cartesian Coordinates
An orthogonal coordinate system that specifies point locations in space using signed distance projections along mutually perpendicular axes (x, y, z).
Governing formula
d = √((x2-x1)² + (y2-y1)² + (z2-z1)²)
SI unit
m
In depth
Invented by René Descartes, Cartesian coordinates map physical space into linear algebraic components, serving as the foundational coordinate system for Newtonian mechanics.
Examples in the real world
Position vector of a particle in 3D space expressed as r = 3i - 4j + 2k m.