Question

Jun 30, 2018, Beck sold a computer that was purchased on Jan. 1, 2016. The computer cost $14,000, had a useful life of 7 years, no salvage. The computer was sold for $11,500.

a. Was the computer sold for a gain or loss?
b.How much was the gain or loss on the sale?

Answer 1

The computer was sold for a gain since the sale price of $11,500 was higher than the book value of $9,000, resulting in a gain of $2,500.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine if the computer was sold for a gain or loss, we need to calculate the depreciation expense and book value of the computer as of the sale date. The computer was purchased for $14,000, with a useful life of 7 years and no salvage value. Straight-line depreciation would be $2,000 per year ($14,000 cost divided by 7-year life). By the sale date on June 30, 2018, 2.5 years of depreciation have accumulated (half of 2016, all of 2017, and half of 2018), which is $5,000 (2.5 years × $2,000/year).

The book value of the computer at the time of sale is the original cost minus accumulated depreciation, which equals $14,000 - $5,000 = $9,000. The computer was sold for $11,500, which is greater than the book value, indicating a gain. To calculate the gain, subtract the book value from the sale price, which gives us $11,500 - $9,000 = $2,500. Therefore, there was a gain of $2,500 on the sale of the computer.