Final answer:
The y-intercept in a linear equation represents the initial value of the line on the y-axis when x = 0.
Step-by-step explanation:
The y-intercept, denoted as b in the equation y = mx + b, represents the point where the line intersects the y-axis. It gives the initial value of the line on the y-axis when x = 0. To determine the y-intercept, look at the equation and identify the value of b which is usually a constant term.