XYZ Company uses process costing to track its costs in two sequential production departments: Forming and Finishing. The following information is provided regarding the Forming department.

Forming Department
Month Ended June 30

Unit information
Beginning work in process, June 1 --- 6,000
Started into production during June --- 30,000
Completed and transferred to Finishing Department during June --- 22,000
Ending work in process, June 30 (25% complete as to direct materials and 40% complete as to conversion costs) --- 14,000

Cost information

Beginning work in process as of June 1 consists of $10,000 of direct materials costs and $5,500 of conversion costs) --- $15,500
Direct materials used in June --- $27,000
Conversion costs incurred in June --- $14,850

Required:

(a) Calculate the equivalent units for direct materials.

(b) Calculate the cost per equivalent unit for direct materials.