# X and Y Intercepts of a Line

When represents the straight line graphically the two main attributes of will come out, one is the $X$-intercept and the other is $Y$-intercept of the straight line. These two concepts are very simple and easy to understand when draw straight line graphically.

$X$-intercept is defined as when we draw a straight in a Cartesian plane i.e. $XY$-plane and the straight line cuts the $X$-axis at one point say $a$ and this point of intersection is called $X$-intercept of a straight line and at this point value of $Y$-axis is zero i.e. $y = 0$. $X$-intercept is usually represented by an ordered pair $\left( {a,0} \right)$.

Similarly, $Y$-intercept can be found where the straight line cuts the $Y$-axis at one point say $b$ and this point of intersection is called $Y$-intercept of a straight line and at this point value of X-axis is zero i.e. $x = 0$. $Y$-intercept is usually represented by an ordered pair $\left( {0,b} \right)$.
Algebraically we can find $X$-intercept and $Y$-intercepts of straight line $ax + by + c = 0$ by setting the values $y = 0$ and $x = 0$ respectively.

Example: Find the $X$- and $Y$-intercepts of the given straight line $2x + 4y = 16$

To find $X$-intercept put $y = 0$ in the above equation of straight line as

Therefore, $X$-intercept is $\left( {8,0} \right)$.

Similarly To find $Y$-intercept put $x = 0$ in the above equation of straight line as

Therefore, $Y$-intercept is $\left( {0,4} \right)$.

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