Question

the dollar value of a computer, based on the number of years since it was purchased, can be determined using the equation below. in the equation, which of the following represents the initial cost of the computer?
y = 2,000 - 350x
options: y, x, 2000, 350
clear my selection

Explanation:

Step1: Understand the equation structure

The equation is \( y = 2000 - 350x \), which is in slope - intercept form \( y=mx + b \), where \( b \) is the y - intercept. The y - intercept occurs when \( x = 0 \).

Step2: Interpret \( x = 0 \) in the context

In the context of the problem, \( x \) represents the number of years since the computer was purchased. When \( x = 0 \), it means 0 years since purchase, i.e., the time of purchase.

Step3: Find the value at \( x = 0 \)

Substitute \( x = 0 \) into the equation \( y=2000 - 350x \). We get \( y=2000-350\times0=2000 \). So when \( x = 0 \) (at the time of purchase), the value of the computer \( y \) is 2000, which represents the initial cost of the computer.

Answer:

2000 (the option corresponding to 2000, e.g., if the options are labeled as the circles with 2000 as one of them, that circle's value which is 2000 represents the initial cost)