Becton Labs, Incorporated, 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 During November, the following activity was recorded related to the production of Fludex: a. Materiais purchased, 10,000 ounces at a cost of $197,000 b. There was no beginning inventory of materials; however, at the end of the month, 2,550 ounces of material remained in ending imventory c. The company employs 24 lab technicians to work on the production of Fludex. During November, they each worked an overage of 170 hours at an averoge pay rate of $11.50 per hour. d. Variable manufacturing overhead is assigned to Fludex on the basis of direct labor-hours. Variable manufacturing overhead costs during November totaled $4,800. e. During Novembet, the company produced 3,700 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? 2. For direct labor. a. Compute the rate and efficiency variances. b. In the past, the 24 technicians employed in the production of Fludex consisted of 6 senior technicians and 18 assistants. During November, the company experimented with fewer senior technicians and more assistants in order to reduce labor costs, Would you recommend that the new labor mix be continued? 3. Compute the variable overhead rate and efficiency variances