Senate Inc. is considering two alternative methods for producing playing cards. Method $1$ involves using a machine with a fixed cost $($mainly depreciation$)$ of $$12,000$ and variable costs of $$1\mathrm{.}00$ per deck of cards. Method $2$ would use a less expensive machine with a fixed cost of only $$5,000,$ but it would require a variable cost of $$1\mathrm{.}50$ per deck. The sales price per deck would be the same under each method. At what unit output level would the two methods provide the same operating income $($EBIT$)?$

a$.12,600$

b$.18,634$

c$.14,000$

d$.16,940$

e$.15,400$