Finding X and Y Intercepts on a Graph: Step-by-Step Procedure

How do you find the x and y intercepts plot?

Finding the x and y intercepts on a graph is an essential skill in mathematics and is often used to understand the behavior of functions and equations. Here's a step-by-step procedure for finding both the x and y intercepts on a graph:

X-Intercept:The x-intercept is the point where the graph crosses the x-axis (the horizontal line at y = 0).

1. Identify the x-axis: Locate the horizontal axis, which is typically labeled as the x-axis.

2. Look for the point(s) where the graph crosses the x-axis: Examine the graph and find the point(s) where it intersects or touches the x-axis. These points will have a y-coordinate of 0.

3. Read the x-coordinate(s): Determine the x-coordinate(s) of the point(s) where the graph crosses the x-axis. These are your x-intercepts.

Y-Intercept:The y-intercept is the point where the graph crosses the y-axis (the vertical line at x = 0).

1. Identify the y-axis: Locate the vertical axis, which is typically labeled as the y-axis.

2. Look for the point where the graph crosses the y-axis: Examine the graph and find the point where it intersects or touches the y-axis. This point will have an x-coordinate of 0.

3. Read the y-coordinate: Determine the y-coordinate of the point where the graph crosses the y-axis. This is your y-intercept.

Example:Let's say you have the equation of a line, y = 2x - 4, and you want to find its x and y intercepts.

X-Intercept:To find the x-intercept, set y = 0 and solve for x:

0 = 2x - 4

2x = 4

x = 2

So, the x-intercept is (2, 0).

Y-Intercept:To find the y-intercept, set x = 0 and solve for y:

y = 2(0) - 4

y = -4

So, the y-intercept is (0, -4).

In this example, you've found both the x and y intercepts of the graph of the equation y = 2x - 4. The x-intercept is (2, 0), and the y-intercept is (0, -4).