Final answer:
To calculate the depreciation expense for 2013, first find the total depreciation recorded from 2010 to 2012 using the sum-of-the-years'-digits method. Then, divide the remaining book value at the beginning of 2013 by the remaining useful life to calculate the depreciation expense using the straight-line method. Option B is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the depreciation expense for 2013, we first need to calculate the total depreciation recorded from 2010 to 2012 using the sum-of-the-years'-digits method.
The sum-of-the-years'-digits method calculates depreciation by multiplying the remaining useful life of the asset by a fraction. The numerator of the fraction is the number of years remaining in the asset's useful life after the current year, and the denominator is the sum of the digits from 1 to the total useful life of the asset.
In this case, the total useful life of the equipment is 8 years. The sum of the digits from 1 to 8 is 36. So, for the first three years (2010-2012), the depreciation recorded would be:
Year 1: (8/36) * $900,000 = $200,000
Year 2: (7/36) * $900,000 = $175,000
Year 3: (6/36) * $900,000 = $150,000
The total depreciation recorded for 2010-2012 is $200,000 + $175,000 + $150,000 = $525,000.
Now, to calculate the depreciation expense for 2013 using the straight-line method, divide the remaining book value of the equipment by the remaining useful life.
The remaining book value at the beginning of 2013 is $900,000 - $525,000 = $375,000. The remaining useful life is 8 - 3 = 5 years.
Therefore, the depreciation expense for 2013 would be $375,000 / 5 = $75,000.