If the value of diagnostic equipment falls due to obsolescence, how is the balance sheet affected?

When the value of diagnostic equipment declines due to obsolescence, it directly impacts the balance sheet by reducing the asset value. Assets, which include diagnostic equipment, are recorded on the balance sheet at their historical cost less accumulated depreciation. If the equipment becomes obsolete, its market value drops, which can lead to an impairment charge. This impairment reflects the reduced value of the asset and subsequently lowers the total assets on the balance sheet.

Since the accounting equation is Assets = Liabilities + Equity, a decrease in assets will ultimately affect equity. Specifically, if assets decline without a corresponding decrease in liabilities, equity will also decrease. This reflects the principle that equity represents the residual interest in the assets of a company after liabilities are deducted. Thus, when the diagnostic equipment's value decreases, the overall equity of the company is reduced, affirming that the correct outcome is a reduction in equity.