The $x\text{-}$intercept of a line is the $x\text{-}$coordinate of the point where the line crosses the $x\text{-}$axis. The $y\text{-}$intercept of a line is the $y\text{-}$coordinate of the point where the line crosses the $y\text{-}$axis. The $y\text{-}$intercept of an equation is also known as its initial value.

When talking about functions, the $x\text{-}$intercepts are the zeros of the function. Sometimes, only one coordinate of these points is referenced. For example, if the $x\text{-}$intercept lies at $(a,0),$ it can be said that the $x\text{-}$intercept is at $x=a.$ The same is true for the $y\text{-}$intercept. A relation can have several intercepts. A function can have multiple $x\text{-}$intercepts, but it can only have one $y\text{-}$intercept.