The Wildcat Company has provided the following information for the factory overhead cost pool:

Units of Output 30,000 Units 42,000

Units Indirect materials $180,000 $252,000

Indirect labour 1,080,000 1,512,000

Supervisors' salaries 312,000 312,000

Equipment depreciation 151,200 151,200

Maintenance 81,600 110,400

Utilities 384,000 528,000

Total $2,188,800 $2,865,600

Required: Using the high-low method and the information provided above,

1. identify the linear cost function equation and

2. estimate the total cost at 36,000 units of output.

3. Wildcat is now budgeting overhead costs of next year. It expects indirect material costs will increase by 6%, supervisor salaries will be 5% higher and that the variable portion of maintenance costs will increase by 4%. All other costs will remain at this years level. What is the expected cost function for next year if the company expects to produce 40,000 units?