Reading Tables, Graphs, and Intercepts

Algebra Foundation

Algebra 1

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Algebra 1 · Unit 4 · Topic 4.4

Reading Tables, Graphs, and Intercepts

A table lists input-output pairs, while a graph locates those pairs in the coordinate plane.

Definition and explanation

A table lists input-output pairs, while a graph locates those pairs in the coordinate plane. An x-intercept has output zero; a y-intercept has input zero if that input belongs to the domain.

Worked example

For y = 2x − 6, inputs 0, 1, and 3 produce outputs −6, −4, and 0. The intercepts are (0, −6) and (3, 0). Plotting these pairs reveals a straight line.

Common mistake

An intercept is a point; the x-intercept is not found by setting x equal to zero.

Key takeaway

A table lists input-output pairs, while a graph locates those pairs in the coordinate plane.

Explain each step of the worked example, then check the units, signs, and conditions that apply.

Further reading

Topic coverage was checked against the openly available OpenStax Elementary Algebra 2e and Algebra and Trigonometry 2e textbooks. The explanations and examples on this site are independently written; textbook prose, exercises, and artwork are not reproduced.