gsm8k-0012

# GSM8K Problem 13

Carlos is planting a lemon tree. The tree will cost $90 to plant. Each year it will grow 7 lemons, which he can sell for $1.5 each. It costs $3 a year to water and feed the tree. How many years will it take before he starts earning money on the lemon tree?

Reason step by step, then give ONLY the final answer on the last line as \boxed{ANSWER}.

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First, calculate the annual revenue from selling the lemons: 
7 lemons/year × $1.50/lemon = $10.50/year.

Next, subtract the annual maintenance cost to find the net annual profit: 
$10.50/year - $3.00/year = $7.50/year.

Carlos needs to recover the initial planting cost of $90. To find how many years it will take to break even, divide the initial cost by the annual net profit: 
$90 ÷ $7.50/year = 12 years.

After 12 years, he will have fully recovered his initial investment, and any time after that he will start earning a profit.

\boxed{12}