Question

Barkoff Enterprises, which uses the high-low method to analyze cost behavior, has determined that machine-hours best explain the company's utilities cost. The company's relevant range of activity varies from a low of 600 machine hours to a high of 1,200 machine-hours, with the following data being available for the first six months of the year:
Month Utilities Machine Hours
January $8,700 800
February $8,360 720
March $8,950 810
April $9,360 920
May $9,625 950
June $9,150 900

Using the high-low method, the utilities cost associated with 1,110 machine hours would be _____.

Answer 1

Answer:

The utilities cost associated with 1,110 machine hours will be $10,505.

Explanation:

High Low method is a way to calculate the variable and fixed cost element of total cost using lowest level of activity and its cost and highest level of activity and its cost.

In this example The Highest activity of Machine hour is in the month of May and Lowest  activity is in February.

Using high low method:

Variable cost =  ( Highest activity cost - Lowest activity cost ) / ( Highest activity - Lowest activity )

Variable cost =  ( Cost in May - Cost in February ) / ( Machine hours in May - Machine Hours in February)

Variable cost =  ( $9,625 - $8,360 ) / ( 950 - 720 )

Variable cost =  $1,265 / 230

Variable cost =  $5.50 per machine hour

Fixed Cost = $8360 - ( 720 x $5.5) = $8360 - $3960 = $4,400

Utility cost of 1110 units = $4,400 + ( 1,110 x 5.5 ) = $4400 + $6,105 = $10,505