Final answer:
To compute the income increase or decrease from eliminating the segment, subtract the avoidable fixed costs of $39,500 from the segment's loss of $6,500. The segment should be eliminated because it is generating a loss of $6,500.
Step-by-step explanation:
To compute the income increase or decrease from eliminating the segment, subtract the avoidable fixed costs of $39,500 from the segment's loss of $6,500. The income increase or decrease from eliminating this segment would be -$46,000.
The segment should be eliminated because it is generating a loss of $6,500. By eliminating the segment, the company would save $39,500 in avoidable fixed costs, resulting in a higher overall income of -$46,000.