The cost function in requirement 1 is an estimate of how costs behave within the relevant range, not at cost levels outside the relevant range. if there are no months with zero miles driven represented in the delivery cost account in the general ledger, data in that account can be used to estimate the fixed costs at the zero miles driven level. the constant component of the cost function provides the best available starting point for a straight line that approximates how a cost behaves within the relevant range .

If the ceo of a large, diversified, firm were filling out a fitness report on a division manager (i.e., "grading" the manager), which of the following situations would be likely to cause the manager to receive a better grade? in all cases, assume that other things are held constant.a. the division's basic earning power ratio is above the average of other firms in its industry.b. the division's total assets turnover ratio is below the average for other firms in its industry.c. the division's debt ratio is above the average for other firms in the industry.d. the division's inventory turnover is 6, whereas the average for its competitors is 8.e. the division's dso (days' sales outstanding) is 40, whereas the average for its competitors is 30.