Cooper Company currently uses the FIFO method to account for its  inventory but is considering a switch to LIFO before the books are closed for the year. Selected data for the year are:

Merchandise inventory, January 1

$1,430,000

Current assets

36,03,600

Total assets (operating)

57,20,000

Cost of goods sold (FIFO)

22,30,800

Merchandise inventory, December 31 (LIFO)

15,44,400

Merchandise inventory, December 31 (FIFO)

18,87,600

Current liabilities

11,44,000

Net sales

38,32,400

Operating expenses

9,15,200

a. Compute the current ratio, inventory turnover ratio, and rate of return on operating assets assuming the company continues using FIFO.

b. Repeat part (a) assuming the company adjusts its accounts to the LIFO inventory method.