Algebra 1 Notes SOL A.7 (4.3) Graphing Using Intercepts
Mr. Hannam
Name: ______________________________________ Date: _____________ Block: _______
Intercepts

x-intercept: point where a graph crosses the ____________

y-intercept: point where a graph crosses the ____________
Finding Intercepts
 The y-value of all points on the x-axis is 0

The x-value of all points on the y-axis is 0.

The x-intercept is coordinate (x, 0)

The y-intercept is coordinate (0, y)

To find the x-intercept, set the y-value of the equation to 0 and solve for x

To find the y-intercept, set the x-value of the equation to 0 and solve for y

Make a table to help!
Example: Find the x- and y-intercepts of 2x + 7y = 28.
Find the x-intercept: (x, 0)
Find the y-intercept: (0, y)
Set y = 0, then solve for x.
Set x = 0, then solve for y.
2x + 7y = 28
2x + 7y = 28
2x + 7(0) = 28
2(0) + 7y = 28
2x = 28
7y = 28
x = 14
y=4
The x-intercept is (14, 0).
The y-intercept is (0, 4).
** Remember: set y = 0 to find the x-intercept, and x = 0 to find the y-intercept.**
OR… MAKE A TABLE!
You try: find the x- and y-intercepts for the following linear equations:
1) 3x + 2y = 6
x-int
y-int
2) 4x – 2y = 10
x-int
y-int
3) -3x + 5y = -15
x-int
y-int
Algebra 1 Notes SOL A.7 (4.3) Graphing Using Intercepts
Mr. Hannam Page 2
New Graphing Method – Graphing with Intercepts

Find x-intercept and y-intercept

Plot points

Connect
Example: Graph the equation x + 2y = 4.
Step 1: Find the intercepts.
x-intercept:
y-intercept:
Step 2: Plot the points and connect them.
Finding Intercepts from a Graph
Given the graph at the right,

x-intercept: the line crosses the x-axis at point _________

y-intercept: the line crosses the y-axis at point _________
You try: Graph the linear equations by finding intercepts
a) -4x + 3y = 24
b) 5x – y = 15
c) y =
1
x-3
5