A line with the equation y = px + q is reflected over the line y = x. Is the reflection of this line parallel to the line y = mx + n?
(1) m = p + 2
(2) m = 3p
(1) m = p + 2
(2) m = 3p
BREAKING: Target Test Prep releases Brand New 2026 On Demand GMAT prep course
RedeemTarget Test Prep · GMAT
Learn live with an expert or move at your own pace. Every option includes the complete TTP study system.

with Chris Peckover

with Logan Thompson
Complete access from day one. Study on your schedule.
Compare the format, schedule, and included access before enrolling. Prices and seat counts shown reflect the supplied offer details.
Line L1 : y =px +q , has slope : s1 = pDeepthi Subbu wrote:A line with the equation y = px + q is reflected over the line y = x. Is the reflection of this line parallel to the line y = mx + n?
(1) m = p + 2
(2) m = 3p

Your approach looks good to me.clock60 wrote:hi guys i have few problems about this not trivial (to me) problem
i think any reflection of the line y=px+q will looks like y=(-p)x+b. the main here is that angle of falling will equal to the angle of reflection with opposite sign
and if reflected line y=(-p)x+b will || to some other line in our case y = mx + n, the question is -p=x. or x+p=0?
(1) m=p+2, the values of m,p can be 1-(-1)=2 and -1+1=0 yes,
or p=1, m=3, 1+3=4 not equal to 0
insufficient
(2) m=3p is valid for m=p=0 yes, p=1, m=3 no
both 3p=p+2, p=1, m=3 1+3=4 not equal to 0
so suff
as for my questions, is my approach valid, for what we need x=y ( to me it does not matter what is line of reflection)
and what is oa?
yeah, so for the two lines:clock60 wrote:hi anshumishra
thank you for kind words i got you point
i have one small doubt but it does not refer directly to the problem,
in my solution i tried to estimate tangent of angles of lines y=(-p)x+b and y = mx + n, it happens that -p=/=m. so they can be ||
but what if b=x, and -p=m i mean the lines coinside with this the answer will be E, or i am digging to deep?
(i remember similar trap in one question)
wow! that was superb!anshumishra wrote:Line L1 : y =px +q , has slope : s1 = pDeepthi Subbu wrote:A line with the equation y = px + q is reflected over the line y = x. Is the reflection of this line parallel to the line y = mx + n?
(1) m = p + 2
(2) m = 3p
Line y = x has slope = 1
The perpendicular line to y=x will have a slope equal to : = -1
Given that, Line L2 is parallel to y = mx+n, so slope = s2 = m
Now the reflection of the line (y = px+q) will form the same angle with this perpendicular line =>
Hence,
tan (x) = tan (y) {Formula is : tan x = (m1-m2)/(1+m1*m2)}
=> (p+1)/(1-p) = -(1+m)/(1-m)
=> 2pm = 2
=> p = 1/m ? OR pm = 1 ?
Statement 1:
m = p+2 => mp = P^2+2p (can be or can't be equal to 1, as the roots of this quadratic is not imaginary, depending on the value of p)
Not sufficient
Statement 2:
m = 3p => mp = 3p^2 (This can be equal to 1 or not depending on the value of p)
Not sufficient
Combining 1 and 2 :
3p = p+2 => p = 1
So, m = 3p = 3
=> mp = 3*1 ≠1 -- Sufficient
Hence, C
New here Create free account