Let's look at the graph of the function $y = x^2 - 4$. Step 1: This is a parabola that opens upwards because $x^2$ is positive. Step 2: To find the $y$-intercept, set $x = 0$: $$y = 0^2 - 4 = -4$$ So the $y$-intercept is at $(0, -4)$. Step 3: To find the $x$-intercepts, set $y = 0$: $$0 = x^2 - 4$$ Add 4 to both sides: $$x^2 = 4$$ Take the square root: $$x = 2 \text{ or } x = -2$$ So the $x$-intercepts are at $(2, 0)$ and $(-2, 0)$. Final answer: - $y$-intercept: $(0, -4)$ - $x$-intercepts: $(2, 0)$ and $(-2, 0)$ You can imagine this like a smiley face that touches the $y$ axis at -4 and crosses the $x$ axis at 2 and -2.