Answer:
a. 50,000 increase
Step-by-step explanation:
the company will save money by discontinuing this division since currently it is losing $300,000, but if it discontinues this division, it will only lose $250,000 which means that operating income will increase by $50,000
differential analysis:
option 1 option 2 differential
continue operating discontinue oper. amount
contribution margin $200,000 $0 ($200,000)
fixed expenses ($500,000) ($250,000) $250,000
net change ($300,000) ($250,000) $50,000