Graphing Equations of Lines Using x- and y-Intercepts
Find the x-intercept The x-intercept is the point where the graph of the equation crosses the x-axis. The coordinate will be (x, 0) where the x will be the point on the x-axis where it crosses. To find the x-intercept of an equation, substitute the value of 0 into the equation for the y value. Example: By substituting 0 for y in the equation, we find the x- intercept which is (6,0). This becomes your first point on the graph.
Find the y-intercept The y-intercept is the point where the graph of the equation crosses the y-axis. The coordinate will be (0, y) where the y will be the point on the y-axis where it crosses. To find the y-intercept of an equation, substitute the value of 0 into the equation for the x value. Example: By substituting 0 for x into the equation, we find the y- intercept which is (0,4). This becomes your second point on the graph.
The Graph We found the point (6,0) for the x-intercept and (0,4) for the y-intercept. When graphing equations of lines, this method works for every graph.
Remember To find the x-intercept, let the value of y equal 0 in the equation. To find the y-intercept, let the value of x equal 0 in the equation.