1. The coordinate plane is a two-dimensional surface on which we can plot points, lines, and curves using ordered pairs $(x,y)$. 2. It consists of two perpendicular number lines: the horizontal axis called the $x$-axis and the vertical axis called the $y$-axis. 3. The point where these axes intersect is the origin, denoted as $(0,0)$. 4. Each point in the coordinate plane is identified by its coordinates $(x,y)$, where $x$ represents the horizontal distance from the origin and $y$ represents the vertical distance. 5. Understanding the coordinate plane is crucial for graphing equations, analyzing geometric figures, and solving problems involving location and motion. Final answer: The coordinate plane is a flat surface defined by perpendicular $x$ and $y$ axes intersecting at the origin $(0,0)$ where points are identified by ordered pairs $(x,y)$.