What is vertical intercept?

The vertical intercept, also known as the y-intercept, is a point on a graph where a line or curve crosses the vertical y-axis. It represents the value of the dependent variable (y) when the independent variable (x) is equal to zero.

In an equation, the vertical intercept is typically denoted as the constant term in the form y = mx + b, where m represents the slope of the line and b represents the vertical intercept. The vertical intercept is useful for understanding the starting or ending point of a function or graph.

To find the vertical intercept, one can set x = 0 in the equation and solve for y. The resulting value of y will give the coordinates of the vertical intercept, denoted as (0, y). For example, if the equation is y = 2x + 3, setting x = 0 yields y = 2(0) + 3, which simplifies to y = 3. Thus, the vertical intercept is (0, 3).

The vertical intercept is crucial in understanding the behavior of a function or graph. It helps determine the initial value or starting point of a line or curve, and it can be used to graph the equation accurately. By connecting the vertical intercept with other points on the graph, a complete picture of the relationship between the variables can be visualized.