Final answer:
The primary purpose of process costing is to calculate the cost of production for companies that mass-produce similar items. Equivalent units are calculated considering the stages of completion and materials added. Average and marginal cost measurements provide insights into the cost per unit of production.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary purpose of process costing is to ascertain the cost of production for companies that produce very similar or identical items in mass quantities. This method provides insights into cost origins related to production, enabling firms to manage and control costs effectively. Specifically, process costing helps in calculating the costs associated with each stage of production.
To determine the equivalent units using the weighted-average method, we consider the units transferred to finished goods and the completion percentage of the ending inventory. For materials, since they are added at the beginning of the process, the equivalent units would be the same as the transferred-out units. However, for conversion, we must account for the percentage completion of beginning inventory and ending inventory. Based on the figures provided, the equivalent units of materials are 10,250, and for conversion costs, 9,750.
Moreover, when discussing cost measurement, average cost, and marginal cost are essential concepts. Average cost refers to the total cost divided by the output quantity, whereas marginal cost is the incremental cost of producing an additional unit. These measures help in assessing the cost efficiency and decision-making associated with production.