1
X and Y Intercepts
of Linear Equations
Vocabulary
x-intercept
y-intercept
What does it mean to
INTERCEPT a pass in football?
The path of the defender crosses the
path of the thrown football.
In algebra, what are x- and y-intercepts?
What are the x- and y-intercepts?
The x-intercept is
where the graph
crosses the x-axis.
*The y-coordinate
is always 0.
The y-intercept is
where the graph
crosses the y-axis.
*The x-coordinate
is always 0.
(2, 0)
(0, -6)
Find the x- and y intercepts.
1. x
1. x -
-2y = 12
2y = 12
x-intercept: Plug in 0for y.
x - 2(0) = 12
x = 12; (12, 0)
y-intercept: Plug in 0for x.
0- 2y = 12
y = -6; (0, -6)
x-intercept: Plug in 0for y.
-3x - 5(0) = 9
-3x = 9
x = -3; (-3, 0)
y-intercept: Plug in 0for x.
-3(0) + 5y = 9
5y = 9
y = ; (0, )
9
5
9
5
Find the x- and y intercepts.
2.
. -
-3x + 5y = 9
3x + 5y = 9
