Let A and B be the functions which calculate the cost of purchase and maintenance of the models for x years.
The functions are as follows:Â
A(x)=100,000+4,000x                 (dollars)
B(x)=78,000+13,000x                (dollars)
Model A becomes more economical than Model B when A(x)<B(x),Â
so we solve:
100,000+4,000x<78,000+13,000x Â
100,000-78,000<13,000x-4,000x
Â
     22,000< 9000x
       Â
         22<9x
          x>22/9=2.444
Model A becomes more economical in the third year, that is after the first 2 years.