In this lesson, Nick Palazzolo, CPA, dives into the practical application of cost accounting methods with a series of multiple choice questions. He contrasts variable and absorption costing by examining the different treatments of fixed costs, providing a helpful chart for visualization. Nick highlights the significance of understanding how each method impacts net income and inventory valuation, emphasizing the need to memorize critical differences for ease of recall. Additionally, he explains the appropriateness of variable costing for internal decision making versus absorption costing for external reporting in compliance with GAAP. He also tackles the concept of joint costing, demonstrating the allocation of overhead costs between departments with clear calculations and examples. This hands-on approach in the lesson is designed to solidify the fundamental principles of cost accounting and prepare for the types of questions that may be encountered during the exam.