In what ratio is the line segment joining the points P(-4, 2) and Q(8, 3) divided by y-axis?

1. 1 : 3

2. 3 : 1

3. 1 : 2

4. 2 : 1

Let the point where y-axis divides the line segment be R(0, y).

Let the ratio be m₁ : m₂.

Using section-formula,

$\Rightarrow x = \dfrac{m$1x2 + m2x1}{m1 + m2} \\[1em] \Rightarrow 0 = \dfrac{m1 \times 8 + m2 \times (-4)}{m1 + m2} \\[1em] \Rightarrow 0 = 8m1 - 4m2 \\[1em] \Rightarrow 8m1 = 4m2 \\[1em] \Rightarrow \dfrac{m1}{m2} = \dfrac{4}{8} = \dfrac{1}{2}.

Thus, the required ratio is 1 : 2.

Hence, Option 3 is the correct option.