What Is The Horizontal Intercept

Intercept

The term "intercept" refers to the x- and y-intercepts of of a given equation. The x-intercept is the point at which a line crosses the x-axis and the y-intercept is the indicate at which a line crosses the y-axis. The figure below shows an example of an ten-intercept (dark-green dot) and a y-intercept (ruddy dot).

Lines always have both an x and y-intercept unless the line is a horizontal or a vertical line. A horizontal line only has a y-intercept, while a vertical line only has an x-intercept.

Given the equation of a line, it is possible to find the x and y-intercepts by plugging in 0 for either x or y. Plugging 0 in for x then solving for y yields the y-intercept. Plugging 0 in for y then solving for x yields the x-intercept.

Example

Find the x and y-intercepts of line 2x - 8y = sixteen.

Substituting 0 in for 10:

2(0) - 8y = 16

-8y = 16

y = -2

The y-intercept is at (0, -2).

Substituting 0 in for y:

2x - 8(0) = 16

2x = 16

ten = 8

The x-intercept is at (8, 0).