An x-intercept is where the graph touches or crosses the x-axis.
A y-intercept is where the graph touches of crosses the y-axis.
In this picture, the graph crosses the x-axis at the ordered pair 
. Since every ordered pair on the x-axis has a y coordinate of zero we can let 
to find x-intercepts.
To find an x-intercept: Let y=0 and solve for x.
In this picture, the graph crosses the y-axis at the ordered pair 
. Since every ordered pair on the y-axis has a x coordinate of zero we can let 
to find y-intercepts.
To find an y-intercept: Let x=0 and solve for y.