Vocabulary

x-intercept - the coordinate of the point where a graph crosses the x-axis.

y-intercept – the coordinate of the point where a graph crosses the y-axis.

Concept

Identifying the x and y-intercepts on the graph of a line.

Rules

1. Find the point where the line crosses the x­-axis. That x-value is the x-intercept.
2. Find the point where the line crosses the y­-axis. That y-value is the y-intercept.
3. Select the correct answer.

Example

What are the x and y-intercepts of the graph?

Solution

The line crosses the x-axis at x = -3, so the x-intercept = -3. The line crosses the y-axis at y = 2, so the y-intercept = 2.

Pre-requisite Skills

Create Line Graphs (6.2.5)