Final answer:
The exponential equation that can model the value of the helicopter is y = 979,000(0.89)^x.
Step-by-step explanation:
To model the value of the helicopter, we can use the exponential equation y = a(b)^x, where y represents the value of the helicopter, x represents the number of years after purchase, and a and b are constants.
Given that the helicopter is expected to lose about 11% of its value each year, we can write the equation as y = 979,000(0.89)^x.
So, the exponential equation that can model the value of the helicopter is y = 979,000(0.89)^x.