he Simmons Corporation$$s income statement is given below.

SIMMONS CORPORATION

Sales $$234,000$

Cost of goods sold $175,000$

Gross profit $59,000$

Fixed charges $($other than interest$)33,000$

Income before interest and taxes $26,000$

Interest $17,300$

Income before taxes $8,700$

Taxes $3,045$

Income after taxes $$5,655$

a$.$ What is the times interest earned ratio?