Final answer:
The primary purpose of process cost of production is to determine the cost per unit of production. Using the weighted-average method, the total amount of equivalent units for materials and conversion can be calculated. If the beginning and ending inventories are known, the number of units completed and transferred can be determined.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose of process cost of production for companies that mass produce very similar or identical products or units of output is to determine the cost per unit of production. This helps companies in assessing their cost efficiency and making pricing decisions. The process cost of production includes both the materials and conversion costs.
Using the weighted-average method, the total amount of equivalent units for materials at the end of the month can be calculated as: (Beginning Inventory + Units Started) - Units Transferred Out = (1,250 + 8,550) - 9,000 = 1,800 units. Similarly, the total amount of equivalent units for conversion can be calculated as: Ending Inventory x Degree of Completion = 1,250 x 0.60 = 750 units.
If the beginning inventory was 75,000 units, the ending inventory was 72,000 units, and 290,000 units were started, then the number of units completed and transferred can be calculated as: Beginning Inventory + Units Started - Ending Inventory = 75,000 + 290,000 - 72,000 = 293,000 units.
To determine the number of units transferred out during the period, we can use the formula: Units Transferred Out = Beginning Work in Process + Units Started - Ending Work in Process = 8,329 + 23,142 - 9,321 = 22,150 units.