x-intercept: 8
y-intercept: 4 Description: See solution.
Practice makes perfect
The x- and y-intercepts occur when the function crosses the x- and y-axes, respectively. At the x-intercept, y is 0. Similarly, at the y-intercept, x is 0. From the table, we can identify these coordinates.
Eva's Distance from Home
Time (min), x
Depth (mi), y
0
4
2
3
4
2
6
1
8
0
We can see that when x=0, y=4 so our y-intercept is 4. We can also see that when y=0, x=8 so our x-intercept is 8.
Interpreting the Intercepts
The y-intercept tells us that, when the distance is first measured at 0 minutes, Eva is 4 miles away from home. The x-intercept tells us that after 8 minutes Eva is 0 miles away (which means she has arrived at home).
