The vertices of triangle Q are located at the origin and at the x- and

Question

The vertices of triangle Q are located at the origin and at the x- and y- intercepts of line Q, respectively. If line Q is described by the equation y = Ax + B, then which of the following values of A and B will result in the greatest area of triangle Q?

A. A = 1, B = 5
B. A = 2, B = 3
C. A = 0.2, B = 1
D. A = -5, B = -1
E. A = 0.01, B = -10

Are You Up For the Challenge: 700 Level Questions

A. A = 1, B = 5
B. A = 2, B = 3
C. A = 0.2, B = 1
D. A = -5, B = -1
E. A = 0.01, B = -10

Are You Up For the Challenge: 700 Level Questions

GMATinsight · Answer

B = Y-intercept
For X-Intercept, Y= 0 i.e. X-Intercept = -B/A

Let's go by the options

A. A = 1, B = 5
X-Intercept = -B/A = -5
i.e. Area = (1/2)*5*5 = 12.5

B. A = 2, B = 3
X-Intercept = -B/A = -3/2
i.e. Area = (1/2)*(3/2)*3 = 9/4 = 2.25

C. A = 0.2, B = 1
X-Intercept = -B/A = -1/0.2 = -5
i.e. Area = (1/2)*5*1 = 2.5

D. A = -5, B = -1
X-Intercept = -B/A = -1/5
i.e. Area = (1/2)*1*(1/5) = 0.1

E. A = 0.01, B = -10
X-Intercept = -B/A = 10/0.01 = 1000
i.e. Area = (1/2)*1000*10 = 5000

Answer: Option E

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The vertices of triangle Q are located at the origin and at the x- and

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