Lukas Manufacturing is presently producing a tape holder that has a variable cost of $0.75 per unit and a selling price of $2.00 per unit.  Fixed costs are $20,000 a year.  Present volume is 40,000 units a year.  The firm can make a better product by adding a new piece of equipment to the process line.  This equipment shows an increase of $5,000 per year in fixed costs.  The variable cost would reduce to $0.25 per unit.  The volume for the latest and improved product should rise to 50,000 units a year.

(a)    Should the company invest in the latest equipment?

(b)    At what volume does the equipment choice change?

(c)    At a volume of 15,000 units, which process should be used?