Question

The value of a car, V, in dollars, t years after it is purchased us given by V = -1800t + 20,000

1. what is the y-intercept and what does it represent?
2. what is the slope? what does it mean in the context of the problem?
3. when will the car be with $11,000?
4. using complete sentences. explain why this is important information for you to know. ​

Answer 1

Explanation:

V = -1800t + 20,000

1) The y-intercept is $20000. It is the point at which t = 0. Therefore, it is the initial value of the car.

2) The slope is - $1800. It represents the rate at which the value of the car is depreciating. It is negative because the value is depreciating with time.

3) The time when the value of the car is $11,000 would be

11000 = -1800t + 20000

1800t = 20000 - 11000

1800t = 9000

t = 9000/1800

t = 5 years

4) With this information, the useful life of the car can be known. It would also help to maximize the use of the car. It also makes it easier to fix a selling price at any time.