document.write( "Question 1158869: What is a y intercept and what purpose does it serve? (I am a not so mathematical Dad trying to help a challenged child)
\n" ); document.write( " \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #781849 by math_helper(2461) $\"\"$ $\"About$

You can put this solution on YOUR website!


\n" );
document.write( "The y-intercept is where the line (or curve) crosses the y-axis.  Mathematically, if you have y = some_function_of_x  then it is the y value when you set x=0.\r
\n" );
document.write( "
\n" );
document.write( "\n" );
document.write( "OPTIONAL:
\n" );
document.write( "For example, when dealing with straight lines, the equation of the line is often written y = mx + b   where m=slope (the rise/run or  (change in y) / (change in x)) and b is the y-intercept.   \r
\n" );
document.write( "\n" );
document.write( "Below is the graph of  y = 2x-5 in green.  Notice how the line meets the y-axis at -5:\r
\n" );
document.write( "\n" );
document.write( " \n" );
document.write( "

\n" );