13. Use the high-low method to estimate the cost function for total overhead costs using machine hours as the cost driver.

14. Use the high-low method to estimate the cost function for total overhead costs using kilowatt hours as the cost driver.

15. In July, Company XYZ expects to use 400,000 machine hours and 55,700 kilowatt hours.

a. Use the cost function you estimated in question 13 to predict the total overhead costs in July.

b. Use the cost function you estimated in question 14 to predict the total overhead costs in July.

c. Assume the total overhead costs in July were actually $392,000. Which cost driver was the best predictor of the total overhead costs for July?

Use the following data for questions 13 15: Company XYZ is in its first year of operations and management is not sure yet how to best estimate its overhead costs for planning purposes. It is trying to decide whether it should use machine hours or kilowatt hours to estimate and predict its total overhead costs. Here is the data the company collected for its first six months of operations: Month January February March April May June Total Overhead Costs $391,200 $384,000 $404,160 $417,600 $398,500 $406,800 Machine hours 390,000 372,000 438,000 468,000 396,000 456,000 Kilowatt hours 50,400 49,440 52,080 54,000 51,480 54,240