Let's graph the function $y = x^2 - 4$ step by step. 1. This is a parabola that opens upwards because $x^2$ is positive. 2. The $-4$ moves the graph down by 4 units. 3. To find the $y$-intercept, set $x=0$: $y = 0^2 - 4 = -4$. 4. So the $y$-intercept is at $(0, -4)$. 5. To find the $x$-intercepts, set $y=0$: $0 = x^2 - 4$. 6. Add 4 to both sides: $x^2 = 4$. 7. Take the square root: $x = 2$ or $x = -2$. 8. So the $x$-intercepts are at $(2, 0)$ and $(-2, 0)$. Final answer: The parabola $y = x^2 - 4$ has $y$-intercept at $(0, -4)$ and $x$-intercepts at $(2, 0)$ and $(-2, 0)$.