Answer and Explanation:
The journal entries are shown below;
a. the exchange has commercial substance
Depreciation expense (($15,456 - $966) ÷ 5 × 4 ÷ 12 ) $966
To Accumulate depreciation $966
(being depreciation expense is recorded)
New Melter ($13,800 + $7,176) $20,976
accumulated depreciation ($8,694 + $966) $9,660
To loss on sale of melter $1,380
To old melter $15,456
To cash $13,800
(being equipment exchange is recorded)
b. The exchange lacks commercial substance
Depreciation expense (($15,456 - $966) ÷ 5 × 4 ÷ 12 ) $966
To Accumulate depreciation $966
(being current depreciation expense is recorded)
New Melter ($13,800 + $7,176) $20,976
accumulated depreciation ($8,694 + $966) $9,660
To loss on sale of melter $1,380
To old melter $15,456
To cash $13,800
(being equipment exchange is recorded)