Suppose That Installing an Overhead Pedestrian Walkway Would Cost a College

question 138

Multiple Choice

Suppose that installing an overhead pedestrian walkway would cost a college town $150,000. The walkway is expected to reduce the risk of fatality by 3 percent, and the cost of a human life is estimated at $10 million. The town should

• A)install the walkway because the estimated benefit is twice the cost.
• B)install the walkway because the estimated benefit equals the cost.
• C)not install the walkway, since the cost is twice the estimated benefit.
• D)install the walkway, since the cost of even a single life is too great not to take action.

---

Definitions:

Depreciation Expense

Breaking down the investment in a solid asset over the time it serves its purpose.

Service Revenue

Income earned by a company for the provision of services to its customers.

Prepaid Expense

An expense that has been paid in advance and recorded as an asset until it becomes an actual expense.

Accrued Revenue

Income earned but not yet received, representing goods or services provided to customers on credit.