Lacourse Incorporated's inspection costs are listed below: Management believes that inspection cost is a mixed cost that depends on units produced.Using the least-squares regression method, the estimate of the variable component of inspection cost per unit produced is closest to:

A) $10.19
B) $15.16
C) $10.29
D) $9.58

Variable Component

A portion of a cost or expense that varies directly with changes in production volume, business activity, or other variables.

Least-Squares Regression

A statistical method used to determine a line of best fit by minimizing the sum of the squares of the differences between observed values and those predicted by the model.

Inspection Cost

Expenses associated with the activities necessary to ensure that products or services meet the required standards and specifications.