Question

Assume a tractor has an initial price of $1000.00 and sells for $100.00 after 23 years. Assume that the tractor’s value depreciates linearly with the passing years.

Let V represent the tractor's value in dollars and let t represent the number of years since the tractor was purchased. Write a formula to express the tractor's value as a function of time: V(t)=

Answer 1

I know that V(t)= 1000-39.13t

Answer 2

And I know that the vertical intercept of the value function V(t)= 1000

BUT

I'm confused on how to get the horizontal intercept

Answer 3

The horizontal intercept is found by plugging in zero for the value of V(t) and solving to find the value of t:
0 = 1000 - 39.13t ............(1)
Now solve equation (1) to find the number of years for the tractor have zero value.

Answer 4

t= -25.5558

Answer 5

Now what?

Answer 6

@zepdrix Can you help? :)

Answer 7

There is an error in your solution. How did you get the negative sign?

Answer 8

0 = 1000 - 39.13t ............(1)
Add 39.13t to both sides. This gives:
39.13t = 1000
Now divide both sides by 39.13, to get the value of t in years. Then round to result.

Answer 9

Ah, I see. Thanks! 25.56 (y)

Answer 10

You're welcome :)