Long-term investment decision, payback method Personal Finance Problem Bill Williams has the opportunity to invest in project A that costs $8,200 today and promises to pay $2,100, $2,400, $2,400, $2,000 and $1,700 over the next 5 years. Or, Bill can invest $8,200 in project B that promises to pay $1,400, $1,400, $1,400, S3,500 and $3,900 over the next 5 years. (Hint: For mixed stream cash inflows, calculate cumulative cash inflows on a year-to-year basis until the initial investment is recovered.)

a. How long will it take for Bill to recoup his initial investment in project A?