Standard form: find x- and y-intercepts
key notes:
The x-intercept is the x-coordinate of the point where the graph crosses the x-axis.
If a line crosses the x-axis at the point (x, 0), then x is the x-intercept.
The y-intercept is the y-coordinate of the point where the graph crosses the y-axis.
If a line crosses the y-axis at the point (0, y), then y is the y-intercept.
Learn with an example
Find the y-intercept of the following equation. Simplify your answer.
2x + 3y = 6
y-intercept = ____
The y-intercept is on the y-axis, where x = 0. Plug x = 0 into the equation and solve for y.
2x + 3y = 6
2(0) + 3y = 6 Plugin x= 0
3y = 6 Simplify
y = 2 Divide both sides by 3
The y-intercept is 2.
Find the x-intercept of the following equation. Simplify your answer.
8x + 7y = 8
x-intercept = ____
The x-intercept is on the x-axis, where y = 0. Plug y = 0 into the equation and solve for x.
8x + 7y = 8
8x + 7(0) = 8 Plugin y= 0
8x = 8 Simplify
x = 1 Divide both sides by 8
The x-intercept is 1.
Find the y-intercept of the following equation. Simplify your answer.
6x + y = 5
y-intercept =
The y-intercept is on the y-axis, where x = 0. Plug x = 0 into the equation and solve for y.
6x + y = 5
6(0) + y = 5 Plugin x= 0
y = 5 Simplify
They-interceptis5.
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