Aaron Heath is seeking part$-$time employment while he attends school. He is considering purchasing technical equipment that will enable him to start a small training services company that will offer tutorial services over the Internet. Aaron expects demand for the service to grow rapidly in the first two years of operation as customers learn about the availability of the Internet assistance. Thereafter, he expects demand to stabilize. The following table presents the expected cash flows:

Year of Operation Cash Inflow Cash Outflow

Year $1$ $$36,000$ $$17,500$

Year $240,00021,500$

Year $343,00023,500$

Year $443,00023,500$

In addition to these cash flows, Aaron expects to pay $$30,500$ for the equipment. He also expects to pay $$6,200$ for a major overhaul and updating of the equipment at the end of the second year of operation. The equipment is expected to have a $$5,100$ salvage value and a four$-$year useful life. Aaron desires to earn a rate of return of $10$ percent. $($PV of $$1$ and PVA of $$1)$Aaron Heath is seeking part$-$time employment while he attends school. He is considering purchasing technical equipment that will

enable him to start a small training services company that will offer tutorial services over the Internet. Aaron expects demand for the

service to grow rapidly in the first two years of operation as customers learn about the availability of the Internet assistance. Thereafter,

he expects demand to stabilize. The following table presents the expected cash flows:

In addition to these cash flows, Aaron expects to pay $$30,500$ for the equipment. He also expects to pay $$6,200$ for a major overhaul

and updating of the equipment at the end of the second year of operation. The equipment is expected to have a $$5,100$ salvage value

and a four$-$year useful life. Aaron desires to earn a rate of return of $10$ percent. $($PV of $$1$ and PVA of $$1)$

Note: Use appropriate factor$($s$)$ from the tables provided.

Required

a$.$ Calculate the net present value of the investment opportunity.

Note: Negative amount should be indicated by a minus sign. Round intermediate calculations and final answer to $2$ decimal

places.

b$.$ Indicate whether the investment opportunity is expected to earn a return that is above or below the desired rate of return and

whether it should be accepted.