Final answer:
The differential cost of choosing the model 240 machine instead of the model 370 machine is $15,000.
Step-by-step explanation:
In making the decision to buy the model 240 machine rather than the model 370 machine, the differential cost was $5,000.
To calculate the differential cost, we need to subtract the cost of the new machine that was chosen from the cost of the alternative investment. The cost of the new machine is $481,000, and the alternative investment would return $483,000. Therefore, the differential cost is $483,000 - $481,000 = $2,000.
However, since we are considering the decision to buy the model 240 machine instead of the model 370 machine, we need to take into account the cost of the model 370 machine as well. The cost of the model 370 machine is $496,000. Therefore, the differential cost is $496,000 - $481,000 = $15,000. Hence, the correct answer is 2) $15,000.