Math Problem Statement

A new car is purchased for 15300 dollars. The value of the car depreciates at 14.25% per year. What will the value of the car be, to the nearest cent, after 6 years?

Solution

To calculate the value of the car after 6 years with an annual depreciation rate of 14.25%, we use the formula for exponential decay:

V=P(1r)tV = P \cdot (1 - r)^t

Where:

  • VV is the value of the car after tt years,
  • P=15300P = 15300 is the initial value of the car,
  • r=0.1425r = 0.1425 is the annual depreciation rate (14.25% as a decimal),
  • t=6t = 6 is the time in years.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. Substitute the given values into the formula: V=15300(10.1425)6V = 15300 \cdot (1 - 0.1425)^6

  2. Simplify the base of the exponent: V=15300(0.8575)6V = 15300 \cdot (0.8575)^6

  3. Calculate (0.8575)6(0.8575)^6: (0.8575)60.50329(0.8575)^6 \approx 0.50329

  4. Multiply by the initial value: V=153000.503297700.34V = 15300 \cdot 0.50329 \approx 7700.34

Final Answer:

The value of the car after 6 years will be $7700.34.


Do you have any questions or need further clarification? 😊
Here are 5 related questions you might find useful:

  1. What would the car's value be after 10 years with the same depreciation rate?
  2. How does changing the depreciation rate affect the value over time?
  3. Can you calculate the number of years it takes for the car’s value to drop below $5000?
  4. What would the car’s value be after 6 years if the depreciation rate was compounded monthly instead of yearly?
  5. What is the formula for calculating depreciation with a different model, such as straight-line depreciation?

Tip: Always convert percentages to decimals when plugging them into formulas!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Exponential Decay
Percentages
Depreciation

Formulas

V = P × (1 - r)^t

Theorems

Exponential Decay Formula

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12