Last year Thomson Inc's earnings per share were $4.50, and its growth rate during the prior 5 years was 10.8% per year. If that growth rate were maintained, how many years would it take for Thomson's EPS to triple?

a. 6.76 years

b. 10.71 years

c. 9.61 years

d. 5.71 years

e. 9.26 years