Question

A car puchased for $12,000 depreciates under a straight-line method in the amount of $850 each year. Which equation below best models this depreciation?

A) y= 12000x + 850

B) y= 12000 + 850x

C) y= 12000x - 850

D) y= 12000 - 850x​

Answer 1

Answer D: y = $12,000 - ($850/year)x (Answer D)

Explanation:

In all cases the value of the car begins at $12,000. From this we subtract $850 in depreciation each year.

Thus, after one year, the value of the car is $12,000 - $850, or $11,150.

After x years, the value is $12,000-($850/year)x (Answer D)

Answer 2

D) y = 12000 - 850x

Explanation:

Given that the car is purchased for an initial value of $12,000 and depreciates each year at the same rate, you can set 'x' equal to the amount of time in years and -$850 for the rate at which it declines in price each year. If 'y' represents the total value of the car, than after so many years 'x', at a rate of -$850 per year, then the best model for this scenario is:

y = 12000 - 850x