Understanding the Y-Intercept | Exploring the Starting Point of Linear Equations and Graphs

Y-Intercept

The y-intercept is a term in mathematics used to describe the point where a graph or a line intersects the y-axis

The y-intercept is a term in mathematics used to describe the point where a graph or a line intersects the y-axis. It refers to the value of the dependent variable (usually represented as ‘y’) when the independent variable (usually represented as ‘x’) is zero.

In coordinate geometry, a point is defined by its x-coordinate and its y-coordinate. The x-coordinate represents the horizontal distance from the origin (0,0), while the y-coordinate represents the vertical distance.

When graphing a linear equation in the form “y = mx + b,” where m represents the slope of the line and b represents the y-intercept, the y-intercept is the value of y when x is equal to zero. It determines the starting point or where the line crosses the y-axis.

For example, suppose we have a linear equation “y = 2x + 3.” The y-intercept in this case is 3 because when x is equal to zero, y is equal to 3. This means that the graph of this line will intersect the y-axis at the point (0, 3).

Understanding the y-intercept is essential in understanding the behavior and characteristics of linear equations and their graphs. It provides valuable information about the starting point of a line and how it changes as x increases or decreases along the x-axis.

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