Write (as an ordered pair) the x-intercept and the y-intercept for each of the 8 parent functions. Write "none" if there is not an x- or y-intercept.

Question

The x-intercept of a graph is the point at which the graph crosses (or just touches) the x-axis. The y-intercept of a graph is the point at which the graph crosses (or just touches) the y-axis.

Answer 1

You can find the x-intercept and y-intercept for these functions by solving for x=0 and y=0.

For example, if the function is y=x^2 (the quadratic parent function):

Set y=0, then solve x^2 = 0 for x. In this case, x=0. This point is at (0,0).

Set x=0, then solve y=0^2, or y=0. This point is at (0,0).

So, for the quadratic parent function, there is a single point that serves as both the x-intercept and y-intercept: (0,0).

The process is the same for all of the other functions. Set x=0 and solve for y, then set y=0 and solve for x. Some functions will return a single x- and y-intercept point, others will return more than one.

This method will work for any function, not just for the parent functions.