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In a simple model, the value, $V$, of a car depends on its age, $t$, in years - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1

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In a simple model, the value, $V$, of a car depends on its age, $t$, in years. The following information is available for car A: - its value when new is £20000 - i... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:In a simple model, the value, $V$, of a car depends on its age, $t$, in years - Edexcel - A-Level Maths Pure - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 1

Step 1

Use an exponential model to form, for car A, a possible equation linking $V$ with $t$.

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Answer

To model the value of car A using an exponential decay function, we can express it as:

V=AektV = A e^{-kt}

Where:

  • VV is the value of the car after tt years,
  • AA is the initial value (£20000),
  • kk is the decay constant,
  • tt is the time in years.

From the information provided, we can substitute the known values:

16000=20000ek16000 = 20000 e^{-k}

Solving for kk, we rearrange this to:

ek=1600020000=0.8    k=ln(0.8)    k=ln(0.8).e^{-k} = \frac{16000}{20000} = 0.8 \implies -k = \ln(0.8) \implies k = -\ln(0.8).

Thus, the model becomes:

V=20000eln(0.8)t.V = 20000 e^{-\ln(0.8) t}.

This can be simplified to:

V=20000(0.8)t. V = 20000 (0.8)^t.

Step 2

Evaluate the reliability of your model in light of this information.

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Answer

After 10 years, the model predicts:

V=20000(0.8)1020000×0.10742148.09.V = 20000 (0.8)^{10} \approx 20000 \times 0.1074 \approx 2148.09.

However, the actual value is stated to be £2000. This indicates that while our model provides close results, the prediction is not fully accurate. The difference between £2000 and £2148.09 suggests that although the exponential model captures the general trend of depreciation, it may not account for all variables affecting the car's value over the long term. Therefore, the model is reasonably reliable but may require further adjustment.

Step 3

Explain how you would adapt the equation found in (a) so that it could be used to model the value of car B.

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Answer

To adapt the model for car B, which depreciates more slowly, we would alter the decay constant kk to a smaller value. Thus, the equation can be represented as:

VB=20000ekt where k<ln(0.8).V_B = 20000 e^{-kt} \text{ where } k < -\ln(0.8).

The exact value of kk would depend on the rate at which car B depreciates relative to car A.

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