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INTERCEPT

Intercept

Definition OfIntercept

The point at which a curve intersects an axis is known as an Intercept

More About Intercept

The x-intercept is the point where the curve crosses the x-axis and the y-intercept is the point where the curve crosses the y-axis.

Video Examples: X and Y intercepts
 

Example of Intercept

 example ofIntercept

In the figure, the line cuts the x-axis at (- 2, 0) and y-axis at (0, - 3). So, x-intercept is - 2 and y-intercept is - 3.

Solved Example on Intercept

Ques: Find the x and y intercepts of the line AB shown below.

 example of Intercept

Choices:

A. x-intercept is - 3 and y-intercept is 0
B. x-intercept is 3 and y-intercept is - 3
C. x-intercept is - 3 and y-intercept is 3
D. x-intercept is 3 and y-intercept is 3
Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Step 1: The x-intercept is the x-coordinate of the point where a line crosses the x-axis.
Step 2: In the figure, the line crosses the x-axis at B (- 3, 0). 
Step 3: So, the x-intercept of the line is - 3.
Step 4: The y-intercept is the y-coordinate of the point where a line crosses the y-axis.
Step 5: In the figure, the line crosses the y-axis at A (0, 3).
Step 6: So, the y-intercept of the line is 3.
Step 7: The x and y-intercepts of the line are - 3 and 3 respectively.

Quick Summary

  • The x-intercept is the x-coordinate where the line crosses the x-axis (y=0).
  • The y-intercept is the y-coordinate where the line crosses the y-axis (x=0).
\[ y = mx + b, where 'b' is the y-intercept \]

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Confusing x and y intercepts.
  • Incorrectly solving for the intercept values from a given equation.
  • Forgetting that the intercept is a point, not just a number

📋 Standards Alignment

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.GPE.A.2
  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.IF.C.7a

🍎 Teacher Insights

Use graphical representations to visually demonstrate intercepts. Emphasize the relationship between intercepts and real-world scenarios.

🎓 Prerequisites

  • Basic Algebra
  • Coordinate Plane
  • Linear Equations

Check Your Knowledge

Q1: What is the y-intercept of the line y = 2x + 3?

Q2: What is the x-intercept of the line y = x - 5?

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I find the x-intercept?
A: Set y = 0 in the equation and solve for x.

Q: How do I find the y-intercept?
A: Set x = 0 in the equation and solve for y.

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