Adam calculates his annual salary (base pay and commission), y, using the model y=0.28x+38,000 , where x represents his total sales for the year

The y-intercept in this context is the value of the dependent variable (annual salary) when the independent variable (total sales for the year) is equal to zero. In the given equation, the y-intercept is 38,000.

In this context, the y-intercept of 38,000 represents Adam's base salary, which is the amount he earns each year regardless of his total sales. It signifies the fixed amount that Adam receives, independent of his sales performance.