# Math Insight

### Applet: Cartesian coordinates of a point in three dimensions

The Cartesian coordinates $(x,y,z)$ of a point in three-dimensions specify the signed distance from the origin along the $x$, $y$, and $z$-axes, respectively. The rectangular box has opposite corners at the origin and at the blue point. The three coordinates of the blue point are represented by the red points, which are the corners of the box along each axis. You can change the point by dragging the blue point with the mouse. Alternatively, you can independently change one of the coordinates by dragging a red point.

Applet file: cartesian_coordinates_point_3d.m

This applet is found in the pages

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#### General information about LiveGraphics3D applets

This applet was created using LiveGraphics3D. To manipulate it, you can

• click and drag to rotate in any direction,
• shift + click and drag up/down to zoom out/in,
• shift + click and drag left/right to rotate around an axis coming out of the screen, and
• press Home to reset to the original view.

Most of the LiveGraphics3D applets have parameters that you can change. In general, you can click and drag points or balls around to change the parameters.

Since these applets use Java, you must have Java installed and properly configured in your browser for the them to display. You can get Java here. If you have trouble getting them to display in your browser, you can visit the LiveGraphics3D troubleshooting page for information on how to get the Java applets to work.

On occasion, even when Java is configured correctly, the Java applets don't load the first time and one instead sees an error message. You can wait a few moments to see if the applet will eventually load itself anyway. You can also reload the page to see if the applet will properly load. Sometimes, one needs to do this multiple times.