1) Solve by intersection

Graph the left side as y1 = f(x) and the right as y2 = g(x). Tap the intersection to read x. This works for linear, quadratic, absolute-value, and exponential pairs (College Board, 2025).

2) Roots via x-intercepts

Enter the polynomial as y = ax^2 + bx + c. The x-intercepts are the solutions. Use trace to read exact integers; otherwise estimate and check choices quickly.

3) Table evaluate

From the expression options, Add table. Type given x values to get y without manual arithmetic. This is faster for function notation items.

4) Point-slope line

Type y - y1 = m(x - x1) with numbers. Desmos draws the line directly. Use it to verify answers that claim a slope or intercept.

5) Vertex read

Graph the quadratic and move the cursor to the turning point. Read the vertex for max/min questions or symmetry checks.

6) Line–parabola system

Graph both equations. Intersections give solution pairs. If two points appear, check which is in the required domain.

7) Horizontal/vertical hits

Add y = c to find where a curve reaches a value. Add x = c to read the function value at a specific input quickly.

8) Absolute-value solves

Graph y = |ax + b| and y = c. Their intersection x-values are the solutions. Works the same with piecewise given in absolute-value form.

9) Exponential solves

Graph y = a·b^x and y = c or another exponential. Intersections locate x without logs. Confirm by plugging back in the table.

10) Window/trace control

Pinch or use zoom to bring integer gridlines into view. Trace along the curve to read clean coordinates. Reset if you zoom too far.