Texas A&M University (TAMU) ACCT229 Introductory Accounting Practice Exam 1

Accumulated depreciation refers to the total amount of depreciation expense that has been recognized against a fixed asset over time. It is a contra asset account, meaning that it is subtracted from the related asset on the balance sheet to reflect its net book value.

In this context, the total depreciation taken on fixed assets accurately represents the cumulative amount of depreciation that has been recorded for those assets. This accounting concept helps to indicate the decline in value of fixed assets due to wear and tear, usage, or obsolescence over the years.

Other options, although related to accounting, do not represent accumulated depreciation. Marketable securities are financial assets that are expected to be converted to cash within a year, while the cumulative value of land does not involve depreciation since land is not subject to depreciation in accounting practices. Accounts receivable are amounts owed to a company that has not yet been collected, which again does not involve depreciation aspects. Thus, the correct choice encapsulates the essence of accumulated depreciation as it aligns directly with the definition and function of this accounting term.