Computing Depreciation under Alternative Methods Sterling Steel Inc. purchased a new stamping machine at the beginning of the year at a cost of $580,000. The estimated residual value was $60,000. Assume that the estimated useful life was five years, and the estimated productive life of the machine was 260,000 units. Actual annual production was as follows:

Year

Units

1

73,000

2

62,000

3

30,000

4

53,000

5

42,000

Required:

1. Complete a separate depreciation schedule for each of the alternative methods. Round your answers to the nearest dollar.

a. Straight line.

b. Units of production.

c. Double declining balance.

Method:

Year

Computation

Depreciation Expense

Accumulated Depreciation

Net Book Value

At acquisition

1

2

2. Assuming that the machine was used directly in the production of one of the products that the company manufactures and sells, what factors might management consider in selecting a preferable depreciation method in conformity with the matching principle?