Barry just read that his computer, which costs $1,300 new, loses 25% of its value every year. If this estimate is accurate, how much will the computer be worth in 15 years? If necessary, round your answer to the nearest cent.$____
Q. Barry just read that his computer, which costs $1,300 new, loses 25% of its value every year. If this estimate is accurate, how much will the computer be worth in 15 years? If necessary, round your answer to the nearest cent.$____
Identify initial value and rate: Identify the initial value of the computer and the rate of depreciation.The initial value of the computer is $1,300, and it depreciates by 25% each year.
Determine depreciation factor: Determine the depreciation factor.Since the computer loses 25% of its value each year, it retains 75% of its value each year. To find the depreciation factor, convert the percentage to a decimal.Depreciation factor = 100%−25%=75%=0.75
Apply exponential decay formula: Apply the formula for exponential decay to find the value of the computer after 15 years.The formula for exponential decay is P(t)=P0×(1−r)t, where P(t) is the future value, P0 is the initial value, r is the rate of depreciation, and t is the time in years.In this case, P0=$1,300, r=0.25, and t=15.
Calculate value after 15 years: Calculate the value of the computer after 15 years.P(15)=$(1,300)×(0.75)15First, calculate (0.75)15.(0.75)15≈0.013031Now, multiply this by the initial value.P(15)=$(1,300)×0.013031≈$(16.9403)
Round to nearest cent: Round the answer to the nearest cent.The value of the computer after 15 years, rounded to the nearest cent, is approximately $16.94.
More problems from Exponential growth and decay: word problems