Final answer:
To calculate the truck's book value at the end of December 31, 2018, use the double-declining balance method. The book value at the end of 2018 is $202,500.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the truck's book value at the end of December 31, 2018, we need to apply the double-declining balance method. This method involves calculating the depreciation expense as a percentage of the book value of the asset at the beginning of each period for a specified number of periods.
In this case, the asset's initial cost is $360,000, and its useful life is 8 years. Since the double-declining balance method uses double the straight-line rate, the depreciation rate will be (100% / 8 years) * 2 = 25% per year.
The depreciation expense for the first year (2017) is $360,000 * 25% = $90,000. Subtracting this from the initial cost gives us a book value of $360,000 - $90,000 = $270,000 at the end of 2017.
For the second year (2018), the depreciation expense is calculated based on the book value at the beginning of the year, which is $270,000. Applying the 25% depreciation rate, we get $270,000 * 25% = $67,500. Subtracting this from the book value at the beginning of the year gives us the truck's book value at the end of December 31, 2018: $270,000 - $67,500 = $202,500.