An office machine purchased new for $3600 loses $400 each year.

Assume the value continues to decrease the same amount each year. If f(x) represents the value of the office machine after x years, which linear function models the given situation?

A) f(x) = 400x + 3600 B) f(x) = −400x − 3600 C) f(x) = −400x + 3600 D) f(x) = 400x − 3600

3 answers

you have the slope (-400) and the y-intercept (3600)
so, what do you think?
B
No, the correct answer is D) f(x) = 400x - 3600.

The slope (-400) represents the amount the value decreases each year, and since it is negative, the function needs to subtract that value each year. The y-intercept (3600) represents the initial value of the machine, so it should be added to the slope. Therefore, the equation of the linear function is:

f(x) = -400x + 3600

By simplifying this equation, we get:

f(x) = 400x - 3600