Final answer:
The annual depreciation expense for the furniture using the straight-line method is calculated by subtracting the salvage value from the cost and dividing by the useful life. The first year's depreciation expense is $5,100.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the depreciation expense for the first year using the straight-line method, we subtract the salvage value from the cost of the furniture and then divide that amount by the useful life of the furniture. Here's the step-by-step calculation:
- Cost of furniture: $29,000
- Salvage value: $3,500
- Useful life: 5 years
- Depreciable amount: Cost of furniture - Salvage value = $29,000 - $3,500 = $25,500
- Annual depreciation expense: Depreciable amount / Useful life = $25,500 / 5 = $5,100
Therefore, the depreciation expense for the first year ended December 31 is $5,100, which matches option b.