A corporation is considering purchasing a machine that has an 8-year life and will save the firm $3,825 per year in net operating costs. The machine would be depreciated on a straight-line basis to a zero salvage value. The firm has a 21% tax rate and a 14% p.a. required rate of return on this project.

a. If the machine costs $22,000, should it be purchased?

b. If the machine can be leased for $3,400 per year payable at the end of each year, should the firm buy the machine or lease it?

c. If the machine costs $8,500, what is the maximum lease payment the firm would be willing to pay if it was to consider a leasing alternative?