\section*{2-4 The following cost formula was developed by using monthly data for a hospital.}

\[\text { Total cost }=\$ 41,670+(\$ 350 \times \text { Number of patient days })\]

The term " \(\$ 41,670\) "

a. is the independent variable.

b. is the dependent variable.

c. is the intercept.

d. is the variable rate.

e. cannot be determined from the above formula.