The company produces wood pulp for the manufacture of various paper products. The company uses a step-by-step costing system where all direct materials are input at the start of production and switching costs are incurred during the manufacturing process. The following is a table of the company's production numbers in April :

Company produces wood pulp for the manufacture of various paper products. The company uses a step-by-step costing system where all direct materials are input at the start of production and switching costs are incurred during the manufacturing process. The following is a table of the company's production numbers in April: percent complete Tons of direct switching pulp material cost 1,600 100% 100,000 101.600 70% 1,600 Beginning WIP Inventory (April 1) Production quantity in this period total input Work in progress at the beginning of the period and completed and transferred out in April Started and completed in April Ending WIP Inventory (April 30 ) total output The company still has the following information: 91,400 8,600 101,600 100% 60% Work in Process Inventory, April 1: direct material switching cost $20.750 $47.000 Cost incurred in April : direct material switching cost $233,250 $296,560 Require: 1. the equivalent unit, equivalent unit cost and total cost to be allocated of direct material and conversion costs in April by the weighted average method, and allocate this cost to the units completed and transferred out, and the units of ending work in process inventory. (14 points) 2. the equivalent unit, equivalent unit cost and total cost to be allocated of direct material and conversion costs in April on a first-in-first-out basis, and allocate this cost to the units that have been completed and transferred out, and the units that are in work-in-progress at the end of the period. ( 18 points) 3. List the characteristics of three companies that are suitable for step costing. (3 points)