Question

How do I determine the intercepts of the line

Answer 1

If my explanation doesn't make sense, there are some pretty good utube videos about it.

Here is our equation: 3x + 2y = 5

At the y-intercept (the point where the line meets y on a graph), x=0. The same can be applied to the x-intercept, as y=0. So, to find each intercept, we can treat 3x + 2y = 5, as we would with any other equation.

First, we will find the y-intercept. We know x=0, so that can be plugged in: 3(0) + 2y = 5

Anything times 0 is 0.

2y = 5

Divide both sides by 2 to isolate y:

y = 5/2 (or 2.5)

The y intercept is 5/2 (or 2.5).

Now, do the same for x, given that y=0: 3x + 2(0) = 5

Anything times 0 is 0.

3x = 5

Divide both sides by 3 to isolate x:

x = 5/3 (or 1.7

The x intercepts is 5/3 (or 1.7)

(You should probably use the fractional versions of the answers, but it depends on your teacher, I suppose)

Let me know if you have any questions about this! :)