SAT Nonlinear functions Practice Question 5 (Easy) | SAT Owl

Question bank / Nonlinear functions

Math · Advanced MathEasy

The value, in dollars, of a car $t$ years after it was purchased is modeled by $V(t) = 24{,}000(0.85)^t$ . Which statement best describes how the value of the car changes?

A

It increases by $15\%$ each year.

B

It decreases by $85\%$ each year.

C

It decreases by $15\%$ each year.

D

It decreases by $\$0.85$ each year.

Show answer and explanation

Answer: C

Each year the value is multiplied by $0.85$ , so the car keeps $85\%$ of its value from the year before. That means it loses $100\% - 85\% = 15\%$ of its value each year.

Choice B confuses the percent kept ( $85\%$ ) with the percent lost ( $15\%$ ).

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