Final answer:
To find the value of the equipment after 8 years, substitute the value of 8 for t in the expression, which gives $20,000 - 1250(8) = $10,000. Thus, the value is $10,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
The expression $20,000 - 1250t models the value, in dollars, of a piece of equipment t years after purchase. To find the value of the equipment after 8 years, we simply substitute the value of t with 8.
The calculation would be as follows:
$20,000 - 1250(8) = $20,000 - $10,000 = $10,000.
Therefore, the value of the equipment after 8 years is $10,000, which corresponds to option D.