Requirement $2.$Can the constant in the cost function be used as an estimate of fixed maintenance cost per month? Explain.

The cost function in requirement $1$is an estimate of how costs behave

the relevant range, not at cost levels

the relevant range. If there are no months with zero machine$-$hours

represented in the maintenance account, data in that account

be used to estimate the fixed costs at the zero machine$-$hours level. The constant component of the cost function provides the

best available starting point for a straight l