How many intercepts does #y = x^2 − 9# have?

1 Answer
Aug 8, 2015

#y = x^2-9# has
#color(white)("XXXX")#1 y-intercept and
#color(white)("XXXX")#2 x-intercepts

Explanation:

The y-intercept(s) is/are the possible values of #y# when #x=0#
#color(white)("XXXX")##y = (0)^2 -9#
only has one solution (#y=-9#)

The x-intercept(s) is/are the possible values of #x# when #y=0#
#color(white)("XXXX")##0 = x^2-9#
#color(white)("XXXX")##rarr x^2 = 9#
#color(white)("XXXX")##rarr x=+3# or #x=-3#
(2 possible solutions)