The Central Valve Company sells industrial valves and fluid control devices. One of Central's most popular valves is the Western, which has an annual demand of 2,500 units. The price of each valve is $118, the inventory carrying cost is $3, and the ordering cost is $150 per order.
What is the optimal number of orders per year? Specify as a whole number by rounding. Do not round the EOQ that you obtain in the process of determining the number of orders.