Beginning Algebra With Applications, Chapter 5, 5.1, Section 5.1, Problem 34

The following table shows the mileage on and corresponding value of a used 2004 MINI Cooper, 2-door hatchback one year after it was purchased.

$\begin{array}{c|cccccc}
\text{Mileage} & 10,000 & 20,000 & 30,000 & 40,000 & 50,000 & 60,000 \\
\hline\\
\text{Value, in dollars} & 18,525 & 17,850 & 16,625 & 15,125 & 13,975 & 13,150
\end{array} $

a. What was the per-mile change in the value of the car between 10,000 mi and 60,000 mi? Round to the nearest cent per mile.


$
\begin{equation}
\begin{aligned}

\text{per-mile change in the value} =& \frac{\text{value in 60,000 mi - value in 10,000 mi} }{60,000-10,000}
\\
\\
=& \frac{13,150-18,525}{60,000-10,000}
\\
\\
=& -0.1075 \text{ or } -0.1

\end{aligned}
\end{equation}
$



b. Write a sentence explaining the meaning of the answer to part a.

The answer in part a. shows that the value of the 2004 Cooper decreases 10 cents for every mile it travels.