How can you determine the x-intercept of a linear equation?

Study for the TExES Mathematics 4-8 Test. Practice with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Assess your knowledge to prepare effectively and excel in your exam!

To determine the x-intercept of a linear equation, the method involves setting ( y ) equal to 0 and then solving for ( x ). This is because the x-intercept occurs at the point on the graph where the line crosses the x-axis, and at this point, the value of ( y ) is always 0. By substituting ( y = 0 ) into the equation, you can isolate ( x ) and find the specific value at which this condition is met.

This process effectively gives you the coordinate (x, 0), which represents the location where the line intersects the x-axis. For example, if you have a linear equation like ( 2x + 3y = 6 ), substituting ( y = 0 ) would lead you to solve ( 2x = 6 ), resulting in ( x = 3 ). Therefore, the x-intercept is at the point (3, 0).

The other methods mentioned are not applicable for finding x-intercepts. Setting ( x ) to 0 relates to finding the y-intercept, using the slope formula does not directly give the x-intercept, and the quadratic formula is specifically used for solving

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy