y-intercept
Definition of y-intercept

• The y-coordinate of the point where a line intersects the y-axis is the y-intercept of that line.

More about y-intercept

• The x-coordinate of the point where a line intersects the y-axis is 0. So, the y-intercept of a line can also be found by substituting x = 0 in the equation of the line.

Examples of y-intercept 

• The y-intercept of the line shown is – 6.

Solved Example on y-intercept

Find the y-intercept of the line shown in the graph.

Choices:
A. - 3
B. 0
C. 3
D. 1
Correct Answer: A
Solution:
Step 1: The y-coordinate of the point where a line intersects the y-axis is the y-intercept of that line.
Step 2: The graph of the line crosses the y-axis at (0, - 3).
Step 3:  So, the y-intercept of the line is - 3.

Related Terms for y-intercept

• y-axis
• y-coordinate
• Line
• Point