Why is it helpful to set x = 0 and then y = 0?

Question

In finding points to graph a function, why is it helpful to set x equal to 0 and then set y equal to 0?  

Answer 1

Hi Aminata. It is helpful to set x and y = 0. This is because when you have an equation, it is easier to find one letter if the other letter = 0. For example, if y = x + 4, and you set x = 0, you know that y must = 4. Or if y = 0, then x must be -4.

Also, by doing that, you can plot the points (0,4) and (-4,0). Already, you can connect the points with a straight line, and you can graph the equation!

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