Answer:
a. Product X = 3.50 years
Product Y = 3.25 years
b. Product Y
Explanation:
The cash flows for the two products as well as the balance at the end of each year is given as follows:
[tex]Initial\ balance = -170,000\\\\\begin{array}{ccccc}Year&Product\ X&Product\ Y& Balance\ X& Balance\ Y\\1&40,000&60,000&-130,000&-110,000\\2&60,000&70,000&-70,000&-40,000\\3&50,000&30,000&-20,000&-10,000\\4&40,000&40,000&20,000&20,000\end{array}[/tex]
For both products, the payback period is reached between the third and fourth year.
Product X:
[tex]Payback = 3+\frac{20,000}{40,000} = 3.50\ years[/tex]
Product Y:
[tex]Payback = 3+\frac{10,000}{40,000} = 3.25\ years[/tex]
Under the payback method, the alternative that presents the shortest payback period should be selected. Therefore, Product Y should be selected.