How to Find Intercepts: Tips and Tricks for Solving Equations

[nycmathguy]

Homework Statement

Find any intercepts for the given equation.

Relevant Equations

n/a

Find any intercepts for each given equation.

y = 1 - | x |

Let x = 0

y = 1 - | 0 |

y = 1 - 0

y = 1

The y-intercept is y = 1 and it is located at the point (0, 1).

Let y = 0

0 = 1 - | x |

-1 = -| x |

-1/-1 = | x |

1 = | x |

We have two cases:

x = -1, x = 1

The x-intercepts are x = -1 and x = 1 and both are found at the points (-1, 0) and (1, 0).

You say?

 

[Ssnow]

Ok.
Ssnow

 

[nycmathguy]

Ok.
Ssnow

It's ok? Really? This terrible precalculus self-study middle-aged guy from NYC got it right. Really?

 

[Mark44]

It's ok? Really? This terrible precalculus self-study middle-aged guy from NYC got it right. Really?

Before you break your elbow patting yourself on the back, here are some statistics on a few of your threads, all of which are in the Precalc section:

• Proof Involving the Diagonals of Parallelogram - 13 replies
• Determine the quadrant(s) in which (x, y) could be located - 17 replies
• Write the Standard Form of the Equation for this Circle - 16 replies
• Find Two Numbers -- Have Two Equations and Two Unknowns - 30 replies
• Estimate Revenue Per Share - 12 replies
• Collinear Points -- Ways to determine if points are collinear - 20 replies
• Standard Form of the Equation of a Circle - 15 replies
• Find a and b to make this equation symmetric about the y-axis: y = ax^2 + bx^3 - 24 replies

The number of replies needed to get to a solution is a reasonable metric for how well (or not so well) you've retained the information in the class you took some 28 years ago. Your difficulty with these problems is part of the reason that so many helpers have advised you to spend some time on more basic material.

 

[nycmathguy]

Before you break your elbow patting yourself on the back, here are some statistics on a few of your threads, all of which are in the Precalc section:

• Proof Involving the Diagonals of Parallelogram - 13 replies
• Determine the quadrant(s) in which (x, y) could be located - 17 replies
• Write the Standard Form of the Equation for this Circle - 16 replies
• Find Two Numbers -- Have Two Equations and Two Unknowns - 30 replies
• Estimate Revenue Per Share - 12 replies
• Collinear Points -- Ways to determine if points are collinear - 20 replies
• Standard Form of the Equation of a Circle - 15 replies
• Find a and b to make this equation symmetric about the y-axis: y = ax^2 + bx^3 - 24 replies

The number of replies needed to get to a solution is a reasonable metric for how well (or not so well) you've retained the information in the class you took some 28 years ago. Your difficulty with these problems is part of the reason that so many helpers have advised you to spend some time on more basic material.

I will stay the course. If the material goes way over my head, then we can talk about algebra 1. For now, I seek steps, hints and help along the way, if that's even possible.