To model the depreciation of the equipment using an exponential decay function, you need to incorporate the rate at which the equipment depreciates. Since the equipment depreciates at a rate of 6 percent per year, we can represent the value of the equipment after \( n \) years.
The value of the equipment after \( n \) years can be calculated using the formula:
\[ a_n = 80,000 \times (1 - 0.06)^n \]
which simplifies to:
\[ a_n = 80,000 \times (0.94)^n \]
This accounts for the 6% depreciation each year (since \( 1 - 0.06 = 0.94 \)).
Based on the given responses, the correct form of the equation would be:
\( a_n = 80,000(0.94)^n \)
This option reflects the correct depreciation model and represents the value of the equipment after \( n \) years.
So the correct answer is:
\( a_n = 80,000(0.94)^n \).