Which of lines R and L has a greater intercept with axis-y?

Question

Which of lines R and L has a greater intercept with axis-y?

1). R has a greater intercept with axis-x than L.

2). R is parallel line L

What is the answer for this. Can the intercept be -ve or is it always +ve

paddyboy · Answer

Since the intercept is the x/y coordinate of the point where the line intersects the x/y axis respectively, it can be negative as well.

I would say the answer to this is E.

Drew a rough sketch to solve this one...

Fig · Answer

(E) as well. We have no information about the sign of the slope of these lines. So (C) do not work. As paddyboy said, my favorite way is to draw a XY plan and to represent any possible cases

cicerone · Answer

Guys greater intercept with y-axis is different from y-intercept.

Intercept with an axis is nothing but the distance between the origin and the point where the line interesects the respective axis.

When i say intercept with y-axis it is nothing but the absolute distance of the origin from the point where the line cuts the y-axis.

In the question he is not asking is the y-intercept greater?
Instead he is asking whether the intercept made with y-axis is greater.

I mean if I say that the intercept made with y- axis is 4 units then
y-intercept is |4| ie 4 or -4

Fig · Answer

To me and from other excercises present in the OG, y-intercept equals the b of an equation y = a*x+b.

b is not a distance. Kevincan, what do u think on this topic?

Link of a definition :  https://dictionary.laborlawtalk.com/Y-intercept

withme · Answer

The intercept concept is exactly what am having trouble with. Some folks say it is absolute distance and some say it is can be -ve.

Let us reach conclusion on this thread. What does OG/GMAT Math says?

diegmat · Answer

Withme,

Of course an intercept can be negative. This is a pretty basic concept that could be tested on the GMAT. The DISTANCE however, would be the absolute value, same as on a number line. Not sure if this stuff is verbatim in the OG, but would be in a high school algebra book...

withme · Answer

So what do you guyz think the answer should be for this question.

Do we need to be more careful about the wording: i.e Intercept with Y-axis as Cicerone mentioned or is a straight E??

Intercept with Y-axis is the  distance   from origin?? and
Y-Intercept is the intercept expressed with sign??

gk3.14 · Answer

IMO,

It is C.. Intercept -4 is not the same as 4. 
 and 4 is greater than -4

Which of lines R and L has a greater intercept with axis-y?

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