A company discarded a computer system originally purchased for 18,000 The accumulated depreciation was 17,200 The company should recognize a(an): 800 gain 800 loss. 0 gain or loss 7,200 loss. 8,000 loss.

To determine whether the company should recognize a gain or loss upon discarding the computer system, we need to calculate the book value of the asset at the time of disposal and compare it to the proceeds from the disposal. Since the computer system is discarded, we assume there are no proceeds from the disposal.<br /><br />The book value of the asset is calculated as follows:<br /><br />\[ \text{Book Value} = \text{Original Cost} - \text{Accumulated Depreciation} \]<br /><br />Given:<br />- Original Cost = \( \$ 18,000 \)<br />- Accumulated Depreciation = \( \$ 17,200 \)<br /><br />\[ \text{Book Value} = \$ 18,000 - \$ 17,200 = \$ 800 \]<br /><br />Since the computer system is discarded with no proceeds, the company incurs a loss equal to the book value of the asset.<br /><br />Therefore, the company should recognize a \( \$ 800 \) loss.<br /><br />The correct answer is: \( \$ 800 \) loss.