1. **State the problem:** Jason wants to know how many days it will take for the machine to produce enough silverware to cover its $9000 cost. 2. **Calculate the production rate:** The machine produces 1000 pieces in 2 hours, so in 1 hour it produces $$\frac{1000}{2} = 500$$ pieces. 3. **Calculate daily production:** The machine runs 24 hours a day, so daily production is $$500 \times 24 = 12000$$ pieces. 4. **Calculate how many boxes are produced daily:** Each box contains 50 pieces, so daily boxes produced are $$\frac{12000}{50} = 240$$ boxes. 5. **Calculate daily revenue:** Each box sells for 3, so daily revenue is $$240 \times 3 = 720$$. 6. **Calculate days to pay off the machine:** The machine costs 9000, so days needed are $$\frac{9000}{720} = 12.5$$ days. **Final answer:** It will take **12.5 days** for the machine to pay for itself.