Answer:
$4,600
Explanation:
Data provided in the question:
Utility cost = $5,000
Operating level = 20,000 machine hours per period
Final utility cost = $4,000
Final operating level = 15,000
Now,
Variable cost per machine hour
= [Total cost at highest level-Total cost at lowest level] ÷ [ Highest level-Lowest level) ]
=[ 5000 - 4000 ] ÷ [ 20,000 - 15,000 ]
= $0.2 per machine hour
Therefore,
Fixed costs = $5,000 - [ 0.2 × 20,000 ]
= $1000
Total cost for 18000 machine hours
= [ 0.2 × 18,000 ] + 1000
= $4,600
