Asked by Hannah

The value of an automobile was $15,780 in 1994 and depreciated to $5400 in 1999. Let y be the
value of the automobile in the year x, where x = 0 represents 1994. Write a linear equation in
slope-intercept form that models the value y of the automobile, x years after 1994.

Would the answer be y = -5,400 x + 15,780?
Answered by Christina
The y-intercept is correct, but -5400 would not be the slope of the line. Remember that slope represents the rate of change, specifically the change in y divided by the change in x. In this case, y is the value of the automobile and x is the year. If that doesn't help, I can clarify it further.
Answered by MathMate
As Christina pointed out, the y-intercept (value at year 0) is correct. However, the formula does not work for year 5, equivalent to 1999, because the depreciation of 5400 was accumulated over 5 years.

You only need a change in the slope to correct the equation.
Answered by Hannah
Another answer choice was y=-2076x + 15,780. Is this correct? If it is I do not understand how they go -2076. Thank you for your help!
Answered by MathMate
I do not understand how -2076 came about.

Since the value depreciated $5400 in 5 years, I would expect the slope to be -$5400/5 = -$1080 per year.

Does that make sense to you?
There are no AI answers yet. The ability to request AI answers is coming soon!