An important application of regression analysis in accounting is in the estimation of cost. By collecting data on volume and cost and using the least squares method to develop an estimated regression equation relating volume and cost, an accountant can estimate the cost associated with a particular manufacturing volume. Consider the following sample of production volumes and total cost data for a manufacturing operation.

Production Volume (units) Total Cost ($)

400 4,400

450 5,400

550 5,800

600 6,300

700 6,800

750 7,400

a. Computeb1andb0(to 1 decimal).

b1=

b0=

Complete the estimated regression equation (to 1 decimal).

^y=_ + _ x

b. What is the variable cost per unit produced (to 1 decimal)?

c. Compute the coefficient of determination (to 3 decimals). Note: reportr2between 0 and

r2=

What percentage of the variation in total cost can be explained by the production volume (to 1 decimal)?

d. The company's production schedule shows 500 units must be produced next month. What is the estimated total cost for this operation (to the nearest whole number)?