Y-intercept

File:Y-intercept.svg

Graph $y=f(x)$ with the $x$-axis as the horizontal axis and the $y$-axis as the vertical axis. The $y$-intercept of $f(x)$ is indicated by the red dot at $(x=0,y=1)$.

In analytic geometry, using the common convention that the horizontal axis represents a variable $x$ and the vertical axis represents a variable $y$, a $y$-intercept or vertical intercept is a point where the graph of a function or relation intersects the $y$-axis of the coordinate system. As such, these points satisfy $x=0$.

Using equations

If the curve in question is given as $y=f(x),$ the $y$-coordinate of the $y$-intercept is found by calculating $f(0)$. Functions which are undefined at $x=0$ have no $y$-intercept. If the function is linear and is expressed in slope-intercept form as $f(x)=a+bx$, the constant term $a$ is the $y$-coordinate of the $y$-intercept.

Multiple $y$-intercepts

Some 2-dimensional mathematical relationships such as circles, ellipses, and hyperbolas can have more than one $y$-intercept. Because functions associate $x$-values to no more than one $y$-value as part of their definition, they can have at most one $y$-intercept.

$x$-intercepts

Main article: Zero of a function

Analogously, an $x$-intercept is a point where the graph of a function or relation intersects with the $x$-axis. As such, these points satisfy $y=0$. The zeros, or roots, of such a function or relation are the $x$-coordinates of these $x$-intercepts. Functions of the form $y=f(x)$ have at most one $y$-intercept, but may contain multiple $x$-intercepts. The $x$-intercepts of functions, if any exist, are often more difficult to locate than the $y$-intercept, as finding the $y$-intercept involves simply evaluating the function at $x=0$.

In higher dimensions

The notion may be extended for 3-dimensional space and higher dimensions, as well as for other coordinate axes, possibly with other names. For example, one may speak of the $I$-intercept of the current–voltage characteristic of, say, a diode. (In electrical engineering, $I$ is the symbol used for electric current.)

See also

• Regression intercept