SOLUTION: Ryan buys a computer system for $3800. For tax purposes, he declares a linear depreciation (loss of value) of $400 per year. Let “y” be the declared value of the computer after “x”

Algebra ->  Linear-equations -> SOLUTION: Ryan buys a computer system for $3800. For tax purposes, he declares a linear depreciation (loss of value) of $400 per year. Let “y” be the declared value of the computer after “x”      Log On


   

Question 633026: Ryan buys a computer system for $3800. For tax purposes, he declares a linear depreciation (loss of value) of $400 per year. Let “y” be the declared value of the computer after “x” years.
Find the y-intercept of the line.
Answer by KMST(5328) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The declared value (in $) is y=3800 for x=0.
After x years, the declared value has decreased by $400x to
y=3800-400x or in a more conventional linear equation in slope-intercept form
highlight%28y=-400x%2B3800%29

The slope intercept form of a linear equation looks like
y=mx%2Bb ,
with a number m called the slope, multiplied to the variable x,
and a number b called the y-intercept,
added to that product to yield y.

In this case the y-intercept is highlight%28b=3800%29.

The number b is called the y-intercept because it is the y value for x=0.
Since all points with x=0 are on the x-axis, the point with x=0 and y=b is part of the y-axis as well as part of the line.
It is the point where the line meets or "intercepts" the y-axis.