Using the high-low method of calculating costs, Palm will estimate the fixed cost element as $28,800.
The fixed cost can be estimated as follows:
1) Calculation of variable cost elements
Total cost at a particular level of activity = Average cost per unit * units ………………… (1)
Using equation (1), we have:
Total cost at the lowest level of activity = $40 * 1,600 = $64,000
Total cost at the highest level of activity = $31 * 3,200 = $99,200
Variable cost per unit = (Total cost at the lowest level of activity - Total cost at the lowest level of activity) / (Highest Units - Lowest Units) = ($99,200 - $64,000) / (3,200 - 1,600) = $35,200 / 1,600 = $22
Therefore, the variable cost element is $22 per unit.
2) Calculation of fixed cost elements
Total cost = Total Fixed Cost + Total Variable Cost ................. (2)
Where;
Total Variable Cost = Variable cost unit * Units at a particular Total Cost
Using the highest unit with its total cost and substituting into equation (2), we have:
$99,200 = Total Fixed Cost + ($22 * 3,200)
$99,200 = Total Fixed Cost + $70,400
Total Fixed Cost = $99,200 - $70,400
Total Fixed Cost = $28,800
Therefore, Palm will estimate the fixed cost element as $28,800.
Learn more about the high-low method at: https://brainly.com/question/26247896.