Answer: 2.8 years
Explanation:
Assume that the number of years it will take for both alternatives to be equal is "t". The breakeven point can be found by equating the fixed cost formulas of both alternatives.
First alternative:
= 1,000 + (1.50 * 5,000 units) * t
Second alternative:
= 15,000 + (0.5 * 5,000) * t
1,000 + 7,500t = 15,000 + 2,500t
7,500t - 2,500t = 15,000 - 1,000
5,000t = 14,000
t = 14,000 / 5,000
t = 2.8 years