Becton Labs, Inc., produces various chemical compounds for industrial use. One compound, called Fludex, is prepared using an elaborate distilling process. The company has developed standard costs for one unit of Fludex, as follows:

	Standard Quantity or Hours		Standard Price or Rate			Standard Cost
Direct materials	2.30	ounces	$	17.00	per ounce	$	39.10
Direct labor	0.60	hours	$	13.00	per hour		7.80
Variable manufacturing overhead	0.60	hours	$	2.50	per hour		1.50
Total standard cost per unit						$	48.40

During November, the following activity was recorded related to the production of Fludex:

1. Materials purchased, 11,500 ounces at a cost of $178,825.

2. There was no beginning inventory of materials; however, at the end of the month, 3,150 ounces of material remained in ending inventory.

3. The company employs 17 lab technicians to work on the production of Fludex. During November, they each worked an average of 160 hours at an average pay rate of $11.50 per hour.

4. Variable manufacturing overhead is assigned to Fludex on the basis of direct labor-hours. Variable manufacturing overhead costs during November totaled $3,000.

5. During November, the company produced 3,500 units of Fludex.

Required:

1. For direct materials:

a. Compute the price and quantity variances.

b. The materials were purchased from a new supplier who is anxious to enter into a long-term purchase contract. Would you recommend that the company sign the contract?