Final answer:
To calculate Frank's depletion expense for the year, we can use the cost depletion method. The depletion expense is $120,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the depletion expense using the cost depletion method, we need to determine the cost per barrel of oil. First, we subtract the value of the land without the oil ($25,000) from the total cost of the land ($425,000) to get the cost of the oil reserves ($400,000).
Then, we divide the cost of the oil reserves by the estimated number of barrels of oil (20,000) to get the cost per barrel of oil ($20). Finally, we multiply the cost per barrel of oil by the number of barrels produced in the first year (6,000) to calculate the depletion expense for the year, which is $120,000.