Question: An account has starting balance $2000$, and monthly withdrawals of $450$ are made.
If $y$ is the balance remaining after $x$ months, which linear equation describes this situation?
y = 2000x + 450
y = 450x + 2000
y = -2000x + 450
y = -450x + 2000
1. **State the problem:** We have an account with a starting balance of $2000$ dollars.
2. **Understand the withdrawals:** Each month, $450$ dollars are withdrawn, so the balance decreases by $450$ every month.
3. **Define variables:** Let $x$ be the number of months passed, and $y$ be the balance remaining after $x$ months.
4. **Form the linear equation:** Since the balance decreases by $450$ each month, the change in balance is $-450x$.
5. **Write the equation:** Starting balance minus withdrawals gives
$$y = 2000 - 450x$$
6. **Match with given options:** The equation $y = -450x + 2000$ matches our derived equation.
**Final answer:**
$$y = -450x + 2000$$