$CU,$ Incorporated $($CUI$),$ produces copper contacts that it uses in switches and relays. CUI needs to determine the order quantity, $Q,$ to meet the annual demand at the lowest cost. The price of copper depends on the quantity ordered. Here are price$-$break and other data for the problem:

$8$ Price of copper $$0\mathrm{.}84$ per pound up to $2,499$ pounds

$$0\mathrm{.}83$ per pound for orders between $2,500$ and $4,999$ pounds

Annual demand $,$$$4,0\mathrm{.}81$ per pound for orders $5,000$ pounds or greater

Holding cost $,20$ pounds per year

Ordering cost $,$$$30$ percent per unit per year of the price of the copper

Which quantity should be ordered?

Quantity

pounds