Identify the end of a sample period for the function f(t)=2csc(t+pi/4)-1

Mr. jones determined that the equation y = 98 - 16/5 x could be used to predict his students' unit test scores, based on the number of days, x, a student was absent during the unit. what was the meaning of the y-intercept of the function? (by the way the 16/5 is a )