x and y intercepts

When a graph is drawn in the cartesian plane, it often crosses over the x or y axes. 

The coordinate where the graph crosses over the x-axis is called the x-intercept. The x-intercept is also called a root.

The coordinate where the graph crosses over the y-axis is called the y-intercept.

This parabola has two x-intercepts or roots. The first is at the point (-1, 0) and the second is at the point (3, 0) - coloured red.

It also has one y-intercept at the point (0, -3) - coloured green.