For each of the problems below, find the initial value.

1. Five years from now, a bond that appreciates at $4\%$ per year will be worth $$146$.

   Hint (a):

   $\left(146\right) = a\left(1.04\right)^{5}$

   Answer (a):

   The initial value was $$120$.

2. Seventeen years from now, Ms. Speedi's car, which is depreciating at $20\%$ per year, will be worth $$500$.

   Hint (b):

   See part (a).