Sledge Co. manufactures a product requiring 1.5 lbs. of raw material for each finished unit. The beginning inventory of raw materials in March was 5,000 lbs. The company wants an inventory of 2,500 lbs at the end of March. Production for March will be 4,000 units. How many lbs. of raw material must be purchased in March?

a. 6,500 lbs.
b. 2,000 lbs.
c. 3,500 lbs.
d. 1,500 lbs.