Question

Finding x and y intercepts of an equation. It's easy to identify the x and y intercepts on a graph, but students frequently struggle to find them using only the equation

Answer 1

Yes, initially, finding the intercepts can be hard, depending on the function. However, it can be explained that the intercepts is where the opposite point is equal to 0. The y-intercept is found when the input or x value of the function is 0; Similarly, the x intercept is found when the output or y value is 0.

for instance in a linear equation:

y=2x+6

X int:

0=2x+6

-6=2x

-3=x

x=-3 or (-3,0)

Y int:

y=2(0)+6

y=6