Final answer:
To determine the number of jackets to sell for a profit, subtract the variable cost from the revenue equation and solve for x, resulting in the company needing to sell more than 62 jackets.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the number of fleece jackets that the company needs to sell to make a profit, we must set the revenue function higher than the cost function. The revenue, R, is given by the equation R = 49.75x, and the cost, C, is C = 2000 + 17.50x. To achieve profit, we need R > C. By substituting the given equations, we get 49.75x > 2000 + 17.50x.
Solving the inequality step by step:
Subtract 17.50x from both sides to get 32.25x > 2000.
Divide both sides by 32.25 to solve for x, which yields x > 62. Therefore, the company needs to sell more than 62 jackets to make a profit.