How do you figure out what is the vertical distance from the origin to the point? How do you figure this out? I am a very confused fifth grader.

Answer 1

The point (x,y) is |y} units above or below the origin
For example,
(2,3) is 2 to the right and 3 up
(4,-7) is 4 to the right and 7 down
Read up on how to plot points in the plane, and it should become clear.