An intercept is a point where a graph meets an axis. At a -intercept, , so the point must start with . Graph the given equation in Desmos as written, then click its crossing with the vertical axis to read the whole point. The horizontal-axis crossing has and answers a different question.
Hints
- Hint 1
An intercept is where a line meets an axis. For the vertical -axis, which coordinate is always ? That tells you the shape of the point before you calculate anything.
- Hint 2
Desmos can graph the equation without rearranging it. Click the line to reveal its marked crossings, then click the crossing on the -axis. Read both coordinates in order.
Step-by-step
Graph and read the y-intercept
Step 1Identify the coordinate that must be zero
An intercept is where a line meets an axis. The question asks for the -axis crossing, where , so the point must have the form . To find a crossing with one axis, set the other coordinate to zero. Setting would find the -axis crossing instead.
- Step 2
Read the crossing from the graph
Type into Desmos as written. Click the line, then click its marked point on the vertical axis. Desmos shows , so the line intersects the -axis at . Choice C.