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A laptop computer is purchased for $4700. Each year, its value is 75% of its value the year before. After how many years will the laptop computer be worth $600 or less? (Use the calculator provided if necessary.)Write the smallest possible whole number answer.

User Psyrendust
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1 Answer

2 votes

Answer:

8 years.

Explanation:

• The initial value of the laptop computer = $4700

,

• Growth/Decay Rate = 75%=0.75

Thus, the value of the laptop after t years will be:


4700(0.75)^t

When the laptop is worth $600 or less:


4700(0.75)^t\leq600

We solve for t:


\begin{gathered} \text{Divide both sides by 4700} \\ (4700(0.75)^t)/(4700)=(600)/(4700) \\ (0.75)^t=(600)/(4,700) \\ \text{ Take the log:} \\ \log(0.75)^t=\log((600)/(4,700)) \\ \text{ By the power law of logarithm:} \\ t\log(0.75)=\log((6)/(47)) \\ \text{ Divide both sides by log 0.75} \\ t=\frac{\operatorname{\log}((6)/(47))}{\operatorname{\log}(0.75)} \\ t=7.12 \end{gathered}

Thus, the computer be worth $600 or less after 8 years.

User Nskalis
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