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-   -   Algebra Illiterate (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=412688)

  • Nov 4, 2009, 10:47 AM
    lcraig22
    Algebra Illiterate
    To find the x and y intercept of an equation must I first put it in y=mx+b format?
  • Nov 4, 2009, 10:49 AM
    Gernald

    you don't have to for all equations; but it helps.
  • Nov 4, 2009, 10:52 AM
    itsamor

    look at this
    x-Intercepts and y-Intercepts

    also googling your question you'll probably find a quicker solution =]
  • Nov 4, 2009, 12:02 PM
    Nhatkiem
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by lcraig22 View Post
    To find the x and y intercept of an equation must I first put it in y=mx+b format?

    What the format (this is known as the y-intercept form) allows you to do is get information quickly by plugging in a value for x you get an output for y. Similarly you can write that , now your inputs for y will give an output for x. Its all just formatting.

    As for intercepts, all they are, are points along either your x or y axis. Lets take a look at x intercepts.

    An x intercept is when the graph crosses along the x axis. Along the x axis, your value of y is 0 regardless of the value of x! This is why when finding x intercepts you make y a value of "0", this insures that for any value of x, it will be on the x axis.

    Similarly for y intercepts, it is any value of y when x is 0, because any point of y when x is 0 will be on the y axis. This is also why when finding your y intercepts, you make y a value of "0".

    I hope this made sense! If it doesn't, try drawing any function on a graph that goes through the x and y axis, and write down the coordinates of those points and you'll see it more clearly.
  • Nov 5, 2009, 10:41 AM
    Perito
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by lcraig22 View Post
    To find the x and y intercept of an equation must I first put it in y=mx+b format?

    I would say, "normally, yes".

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