12
of 2

X and Y Intercepts

These are easy!

Y-INTERCEPTS:  Where the graph crosses the y-axis.

OK, think about it...  When you are on the y-axis, what is your x value?

graph of a point on the y-axis ... ( 0 , 2 ) ... the x value is 0

The x value is 0.

So, to find the y-intercept...  set x = 0!

That's the same as finding f(0).

Check it out:

f ( x ) = ( x^2 - x - 6 ) / ( x^2 - 1 )f ( 0 ) = ( ( 0 )^2 - 0 - 6 ) / ( ( 0 )^2 - 1 ) = 6

So, the y-intercept for this guy is the point

( 0 , 6 )

TRY IT!:

Find the y-intercept off ( x ) = ( x - 3 ) / ( x^2 - 3x - 10 )