Question

where does the graph of y=-0.5x-2 cross the x-axis

Answer 1

Where the graph crosses the x-axis is also called the x-intercept.

To find the x-intercept, we need to plug y = 0 and solve for x.

$y=-0.5x-2\\\\0 = -0.5x -2\\\\0 + 2 = -0.5x -2 + 2\\\\2 = -0.5x\\\\\frac{2}{-0.5}=\frac{-0.5x}{-0.5}\\\\-4 = x\\\\x = -4$

The graph of y = -0.5x - 2 crosses the x-axis at x = -4, or at the point (-4,0).

Answer 2

The graph of y = -0.5x - 2 will cross the x-axis when y = 0.

So plug in y = 0 and solve for x.

0 = -0.5x - 2

Add 2 on both sides

2 = -0.5x

Divide both sides by -0.5

x = -4

The graph of y = -0.5x - 2 crosses the x-axis at x = -4, or (-4,0).