Intercepts

Definition

Intercepts are points where a graph intersects the x-axis or y-axis. The x-intercept is where the graph crosses the x-axis, and the y-intercept is where it crosses the y-axis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The x-intercept occurs when $y = 0$. To find it, set $y = 0$ in the equation and solve for $x$.
2. The y-intercept occurs when $x = 0$. To find it, set $x = 0$ in the equation and solve for $y$.
3. A linear equation in the form of $y = mx + b$ has its y-intercept at $(0, b)$.
4. Quadratic equations can have up to two x-intercepts which are found by solving $ax^2 + bx + c = 0$.
5. To determine intercepts from a graph, look for points where the curve crosses the axes.

Review Questions

• How do you find the x-intercept of an equation?
• What is the y-intercept of the linear equation $y = -3x + 7$?
• How many intercepts can a quadratic equation have?

Related terms

Slope: The measure of steepness or incline of a line, represented as 'm' in the slope-intercept form $y = mx + b$.

Vertex: The highest or lowest point on a parabola; located at $(h,k)$ for a quadratic function in vertex form $y = a(x-h)^2 + k$.

$Quadratic\ Equation$: $An\ equation\ of\ degree\ two\ that\ can\ be\ written\ as\ ax^2+bx+c=0$, where 'a', 'b', and 'c' are constants.