Problem 6-37 Cost Behavior and Analysis; High-Low Method (LO 6-2, 6-4, 6-5) Antioch Extraction, which mines ore in Montana, uses a calendar year for both financial-reporting and tax purposes. The following selected costs were incurred in December, the low point of activity, when 1,350 tons of ore were extracted: Straight-line depreciation Charitable contributions* Mining labor/fringe benefits Royalties Trucking and hauling *Incurred only in December. $ 30,500 8,500 229,500 150,250 227,185 Peak activity of 2,650 tons occurred in June, resulting in mining labor/fringe benefit costs of $450,500, royalties of $260,750, and trucking and hauling outlays of $292,185. The trucking and hauling outlays exhibit the following behavior: Less than 1,350 tons From 1,350-1,849 tons From 1,850-2,349 tons From 2,350-2,849 tons $194,685 227,185 259,685 292,185 Antioch uses the high-low method to analyze costs. Required: 1. Classify the five costs listed in terms of their behavior: variable, step-variable, committed fixed, discretionary fixed, step-fixed, or semivariable. 2. Calculate the total cost for next February when 1,650 tons are expected to be extracted. 3-a. Is hauling 1,350 tons with respect to Antioch's trucking/hauling cost behavior cost-effective? 3-b. If the company plans to extract 1,350 tons, at what number of tons can cost-effectiveness be achieved? 4. Distinguish between committed and discretionary fixed costs. If Antioch were to experience severe economic difficulties, which of the two types of fixed costs should management try to cut? 5. Speculate as to why the company's charitable contribution cost arises only in December.