Define the term "quadrant" in the coordinate plane.

In the context of the coordinate plane, a "quadrant" refers to one of the four sections that are formed by the intersection of the x-axis and the y-axis. The coordinate plane is divided into these four quadrants based on the signs of the coordinates in each section:

1. The first quadrant (top right) contains points where both the x and y coordinates are positive.

2. The second quadrant (top left) contains points where the x coordinates are negative and the y coordinates are positive.

3. The third quadrant (bottom left) has points where both the x and y coordinates are negative.

4. The fourth quadrant (bottom right) features points where the x coordinates are positive and the y coordinates are negative.

Understanding the concept of quadrants is essential for locating points and interpreting graphs within the coordinate plane. Each quadrant helps to identify the nature of the coordinates of points in that section.