Question

The dollar value v(t) of a certain car model that is t years old is given by the following exponential function.

v (t)=20,000 (0.86)'
Find the value of the car after 4 years and after 10 years.
Round your answers to the nearest dollar as necessary.
Value after 4 years:
Value after 10 years:

Answer 1

• 4 years: $10,940
• 10 years: $4,426

Explanation:

Given the value function v(t) = 20000·0.86^t, you want the value after 4 years and 10 years.

Evaluation

Put the value of t in the formula where t is, and do the arithmetic.

The attached calculator output tells us ...

value after 4 years: $10,940

value after 10 years: $4,426

__

Additional comment

When you are asked to do the same evaluation with different numbers, it is convenient to process them as a list, or using a spreadsheet.