Dexter industries purchased packaging equipment on January 8 for $444800. The equipment was expected to have a useful life of three years, or 5,100 operating hours, and a residual value of $36,800. The equipment was used for 2,040 hours during year 1, 1,581 hours in year 2, and 1,479 hours in year 3.

1. determine the amount of depreciation expense for the three years ending December 31, year 1, year 2, year 3, by (a) the straight line method, (b) the units of activity method, and (c) the double declining balance method. Also determine the total depreciation expense for the three years by each method.

2. What method told the higher depreciation expense for year 1?

3. What method yields the most depreciation over the three year life of the equipment?