Do AC and AVC intersects each other?

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question
**Do AC and AVC intersect each other?**

In economic theory, understanding the relationship between Average Cost (AC) and Average Variable Cost (AVC) is crucial for analyzing a firm's cost structure. Both AC and AVC are typically U-shaped curves that are examined in the context of production and cost analysis.

**Graphical Analysis:**

- **Average Variable Cost (AVC):** This curve represents the average cost of variable inputs used in production. Initially, AVC decreases as production increases due to increasing marginal returns. However, it eventually rises as diminishing marginal returns set in.

- **Average Cost (AC):** Also known as Average Total Cost (ATC), this curve represents the total cost per unit of output, including both fixed and variable costs. Like AVC, the AC curve is typically U-shaped.

**Intersection Point:**

Though AVC and AC curves are distinct, they do not typically intersect. The AC curve always remains above the AVC curve since AC includes both fixed and variable costs, while AVC only accounts for variable costs. However, the distance between the AC and AVC curves diminishes as production increases, converging but not intersecting, due to the spreading effect of fixed costs over larger outputs.

Understanding these curves helps businesses optimize production levels by minimizing costs, guiding decisions on resource allocation and pricing strategies.
Transcribed Image Text:**Do AC and AVC intersect each other?** In economic theory, understanding the relationship between Average Cost (AC) and Average Variable Cost (AVC) is crucial for analyzing a firm's cost structure. Both AC and AVC are typically U-shaped curves that are examined in the context of production and cost analysis. **Graphical Analysis:** - **Average Variable Cost (AVC):** This curve represents the average cost of variable inputs used in production. Initially, AVC decreases as production increases due to increasing marginal returns. However, it eventually rises as diminishing marginal returns set in. - **Average Cost (AC):** Also known as Average Total Cost (ATC), this curve represents the total cost per unit of output, including both fixed and variable costs. Like AVC, the AC curve is typically U-shaped. **Intersection Point:** Though AVC and AC curves are distinct, they do not typically intersect. The AC curve always remains above the AVC curve since AC includes both fixed and variable costs, while AVC only accounts for variable costs. However, the distance between the AC and AVC curves diminishes as production increases, converging but not intersecting, due to the spreading effect of fixed costs over larger outputs. Understanding these curves helps businesses optimize production levels by minimizing costs, guiding decisions on resource allocation and pricing strategies.
Expert Solution
Basic concept

# Average cost is the ratio of total cost and total quantity. 

Average variable cost is the ratio of total variable cost and total quantity. 

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
Economics
ISBN:
9780190931919
Author:
NEWNAN
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Economics
ISBN:
9781259290619
Author:
Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education