ch10: The Scampini Supplies Company recently purchased a new delivery truck. The new truck cost $22,500, and it is expected to generate net after-tax operating cash flows, including depreciation, of $6,250 per year. The truck has a 5-year expected life. The expected salvage values after tax adjustments for the truck are given below. The company's cost of capital is 12 percent.

Year Annual Operating Cash Flow Salvage Value

0 -22,500 $22,500

1 6,250 17,500

2 6,250 14,000

3 6,250 11,000

4 6,250 5,000

5 6,250 0

1. What is the optimal number of years to operate the truck? Do not round intermediate calculations. Round your answers to the nearest whole number.

   ? years