16Hit1600
AlgebraVery hardYears until a value is reached

Algebra practice question

A machine's value V, in dollars, t years after purchase is modelled by V(t) = 12,000 − 900t. After how many years will its value be $4,800?

Answer: 8

12,000 − 900t = 4,800 gives 900t = 7,200, so t = 8.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 7200
7,200 is the total loss in value, not the number of years.
If you answered 18.67
18.67 divides 16,800 by 900, adding instead of subtracting.
If you answered 5.33
5.33 divides 4,800 by 900.

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