A new lot is valued at $1,500, but an investor succeeds in buying it for $1,000. Five years later, he sells it at market value. How much has the investor lost if the property has been depreciating at an average annual rate of 7.5% of the original value?

Real estate math commonly covers commissions, property taxes, area/acreage, and loan calculations, frequently using a T-chart method (Part/Total Rate).