The document discusses replacement theory and models for determining the optimal time to replace equipment. It describes two types of equipment failure: gradual and sudden. Gradual failure leads to increased costs and decreased productivity over time. The models provided calculate the average total cost per year to determine the year when replacement yields the lowest costs. Discounted cash flows are considered for items with changing money value over time. The example provided compares two machines and determines that Machine A should be purchased as it has a lower total present worth cost over 6 years.