Final answer:
The degree of operating leverage for Chillmax Company is 0.81.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the degree of operating leverage (DOL), we need to use the formula: DOL = (operating income + operating income + fixed costs).
First, we need to calculate the operating income at the given level of units sold. The selling price per pair of shoes is $60, and the unit variable cost is $21. So the contribution margin per unit is $60 minus $21 = $39.
Now, we can calculate the operating income at 3,500 units sold. The total contribution margin is $39 * 3,500 = $136,500. Deducting the fixed costs of $78,000, we get the operating income of $136,500 minus $78,000, or $58,500.
Finally, we can calculate the degree of operating leverage: DOL = $58,500 / ($58,500 - $78,000) = 0.81 (rounded to one decimal place).