- x Intercept is where the graph of an equation crosses the x-axis
- y Intercept is where the graph of an equation crosses the y-axis
How To find the intercepts
| What Intercept | Steps |
| x intercepts (x, 0) | 1. Set y=02. Solve for x |
| y intercepts (0, y) | 1. Set x=02. Solve for y |
Example
Find the intercepts of y = x2 − 9
x intercept
set y=0
0 = x2 − 9
x2 = 9
x = 3 or −3
The x intercepts of y = x2 − 9 are (3,0) and (−3,0)
y intercept
set x=0
y = 02 − 9
y = −9
The y intercepts of y = x2 − 9 is (0,-9)
And here is the graph of x2 – 9 to confirm what we found:
