Question 101524
The y-intercept is defined as the point where the graph crosses the y-axis. When you think
about it, any point on the y-axis must have an x value of zero. So to find the y-intercept,
just go to the equation, set the value of x equal to zero, and solve for y. When you do it
goes this way:
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Go to {{{8y - 2x = -4}}}
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Setting x equal to zero makes the -2x term equal zero and the equation reduces to:
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{{{8y = -4}}}
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Solve for y by dividing both sides by 8 to get:
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{{{y = -4/8 = -1/2}}}
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This tells us that when x equals zero, then y = -1/2. So the graph crosses the y-axis at -1/2.
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Plot that point on the y-axis.
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Now return to the original equation. Recognize that the x-intercept is the point on the x-axis
where the graph crosses the x-axis. Any point on the x-axis has as zero for its y value.
Therefore, go to the original equation, set y equal to zero, and solve for x.
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Start with:
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{{{8y - 2x = -4}}}
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Setting y equal to zero reduces the equation to:
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{{{ -2x = -4}}}
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Solve for x by dividing both sides of this equation by -2 to get:
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{{{x = (-4)/(-2) = 2}}}
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This means that the point (2, 0) is on the graph, so the graph crosses the x-axis where
x equals +2. Plot that point on your graph. You now have two points on the graph.
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In summary ... the y-intercept is (0, -1/2) and the x-intercept is (2, 0). If you draw a 
line that extends through both points, you have the required graph. The graph you get should 
look like:
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{{{graph(600,600, -5, 5, -5, 5, (1/4)*x - (1/2))}}}
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Hope this helps you to understand the problem.
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