Final answer:
The y-intercept of the linear function Y = 45x + 35 represents the service fee for examining the washing machine, which is a fixed cost incurred before any repair work is performed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The cost of a service call to fix a washing machine can be expressed by the linear function Y = 45x + 35, where Y represents the total cost and x represents the number of hours it takes to fix the machine. The y-intercept in this context is the value of Y when x is 0, which would equate to the initial call-out charge or the service fee before any labor work is actually done. Therefore, the y-intercept, which is 35 in this equation, represents the service fee for coming to look at the machine, as it is the cost incurred regardless of the work done (option B).