Final answer:
To calculate the break-even point using the formula method, divide the fixed expenses by the contribution margin per item sold. In this case, the break-even point is approximately 56 items. The correct answer is (b) 56 items.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the break-even point using the formula method, divide the fixed expenses by the contribution margin per item sold. In this case, the fixed expenses are $5,000 and the contribution margin per item sold is $90. So, the break-even point can be calculated as:
Break-even point = Fixed expenses / Contribution margin per item sold
Break-even point = $5,000 / $90
Break-even point ≈ 55.56
To break-even, approximately 56 items need to be sold. Therefore, the correct answer is (b) 56 items.