Final answer:
The value of the vehicle last year was $20,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the value of the vehicle last year, we need to determine what amount represents seven-eighths of its value. Let's call the value of the vehicle last year 'x'. We can set up the equation: 7/8 * x = $17,500. To solve for 'x', we can multiply both sides of the equation by 8/7 was crucial to isolate the variable 'x' and find the value of the vehicle last year. This gives us x = $20,000. Therefore, the value of the vehicle last year was $20,000.