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Intermediate Algebra – Student Workbook – Second Edition 2013

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Lesson 1b <strong>–</strong> Linear Equations<br />

Mini-Lesson<br />

y-intercept<br />

Also called the VERTICAL INTERCEPT, this is the special ordered pair with coordinates (0,<br />

b). 0 is the value of x (input) and the resulting output, b, is the y-coordinate of the y-intercept.<br />

The y-intercept is often used to help when graphing a linear equation and/or to determine the<br />

initial output value in an application setting.<br />

Problem 2 WORKED EXAMPLE <strong>–</strong> DETERMINE Y-INTERCEPT FOR A LINEAR<br />

EQUATION<br />

There are 3 main methods for finding the y-intercept (also called the vertical intercept) of a linear<br />

equation.<br />

Method 1: Read the value of b from y=mx + b form.<br />

Method 2: Solve for y when x = 0<br />

Method 3: Solve the equation for y and then read the value b<br />

Example 1: Find the y-intercept for the equation y = -2x + 6.<br />

This equation is written in the form y = mx + b. Therefore, (using Method 1) the y-intercept is<br />

(0, 6).<br />

Example 2: Find the y-intercept for the equation 4x + 2y = 6<br />

If the equation is NOT in y = mx + b form. Using Method 2, set x to 0 and solve for y.<br />

4x2y<br />

6 Original Equation<br />

4(0) 2y<br />

6 Set x to 0<br />

2y<br />

6<br />

Divide both sides by 2<br />

2 2<br />

y 3 y intercept is (0,3)<br />

Example 3: Find the y-intercept for the equation 4x + 2y = 6<br />

In this example, we use method 3 to rewrite the equation in y=mx + b form.<br />

4x2y<br />

6 Original Equation<br />

4x 4x 2y 6 4x<br />

Subtract 4x from both sides<br />

2y<br />

4x6<br />

<br />

2 2<br />

Divide both sides by 2<br />

y 2x 3 y intercept is (0,3)<br />

Scottsdale Community College Page 30 <strong>Intermediate</strong> <strong>Algebra</strong>

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