Question 16 • 2026-27 Mathematical Models with Applications
The value of almost everything you own (assets), such as a car, computer, or house, depreciates (goes down) over time. When an asset’s value decreases by a fixed amount each year, the depreciation is called straight-line depreciation. Suppose your truck has an initial value of $12,400 and depreciates $820 per year. What two variables are involved in this problem? Which variable can best be designated as the dependent variable? As the independent variable?
Answer
A
Independent variable - amount of depreciation per year;Dependent variable - number of years you own the truck.
B
Independent variable - value of the truck;Dependent variable - amount of depreciation per year.
C
Independent variable - number of years you own the truck;Dependent variable - value of the truck.
D
Independent variable - value of the truck;Dependent variable - number of years you own the truck.
Explanation
The two changing variables are the number of years you own the truck and the truck’s value. Time is the independent variable because it passes independently, while the truck’s value depends on how many years have passed. Therefore, the correct choice is “Independent variable - number of years you own the truck; Dependent variable - value of the truck.”
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