# Finding the x and y intercepts

1. Apr 2, 2013

### vane92

f(x)=sin(x)/(1+cos(x))
So I set it equal to zero to find the y-intercept
sin(x)=0(1+cos(x))
x= 0,∏ so the y-int: (0,0) and (0,∏)

To find the x intercept I would substitute 0 for x so,
sin(0)/(1+cos(0))=y
0/1+1=y
y=0 so the x-int: (0,0)

would that be right?

2. Apr 2, 2013

### Infrared

Unfortunately, there are a few mistakes. Firstly, you are confusing the x and y axis a bit. To find the y-intercept you would set x=0 (the y axis has equation x=0) and vice versa. Secondly, you listed the points (0,0) and (0,π). You can not have two points on a function with the same x-value. It violates the definition of a function. Surely you meant the points (0,0) and (π,0). Finally, you incorrectly solved the equation $${\frac{\sin x }{1+cos x}}=0$$

Not only is it necessary for $sin x$ to be zero, but $1+ cos x$ must also be nonzero. $x = \pi$ does not fulfill this second requirement.

Edit: This post should probably be in the Homework & Coursework Questions section.