CME Manufacturing Corp. makes widgets and uses a process costing system. All the raw materials are added at the beginning of the process, finishing materials are added at 90% completion and conversion costs are added evenly throughout the process. Spoilage is detected at 85% completion. The following information is from the last production month: Beginning work-in-process 40% complete 1,500 units

Units started 8,000 units

Good units transferred out 7,000 units

Normal spoilage 3% of good units transferred out

Abnormal spoilage unknown

Ending work-in-process 60% complete 2,000 units

Required: a) Calculate the equivalent units of production using the weighted average method of process costing.

b) Explain what would be different in the calculation of equivalent units if part a) were completed using the first in, first out (FIFO) method of process costing.