The origin is the point (0,0) where the x and y axis intersect. To get to the point (-1,1) start at the origin, move one unit to the left and one unit up. To get to the point (1,-1.5) start at the origin and move one unit right and down one and a half. To get to the point (2, 1/4) start at the origin and move 2 units right and up one fourth of the way to 1.
