Using the figure above, what is the optimal quantity of goods for the firm to produce?

ENGR.ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
14th Edition
ISBN:9780190931919
Author:NEWNAN
Publisher:NEWNAN
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
icon
Related questions
Question

Using the figure above, what is the optimal quantity of goods for the firm to produce? 

Below is the transcription and detailed explanation of the graph displayed in the image.

---

### Cost Curves in Microeconomics

**Graph Explanation:**

The graph depicted here illustrates several important economic cost curves for a firm. These curves are essential for understanding the firm's cost structure and economic decisions:

1. **Y-Axis (Dollars per Unit):**
   - The vertical axis represents the cost in dollars per unit of the good produced.
   - The scale begins at $0 and increments by $8, ranging up to $120.

2. **X-Axis (Quantity Produced):**
   - The horizontal axis represents the quantity of goods produced.
   - The scale begins at 0 and increments by 100, ranging up to approximately 500 units.

3. **Curves:**
   - **MC (Marginal Cost):**
     - Depicted as the upward-sloping curve that intersects with both ATC and AVC.
     - It starts from a lower point, increasing steeply as the quantity increases. 
   - **MR (Marginal Revenue):**
     - Depicted as a horizontal line extending across the graph.
   - **ATC (Average Total Cost):**
     - Starts at a higher point compared to AVC and MC, generally 'U' shaped, intersecting the MC curve at its lowest point.
   - **AVC (Average Variable Cost):**
     - Also 'U' shaped but starts at a lower point than ATC, intersecting the MC curve as well.

**Key Points:**
- The Marginal Cost (MC) curve always intersects both the Average Total Cost (ATC) and the Average Variable Cost (AVC) curves at their respective minimum points.
- The output level at which the MC intersects the ATC curve’s lowest point is where the average costs are minimized.

**Question for Consideration:**
- Based on the figure above, what is the optimal quantity of goods for the firm to produce?

The optimal quantity of production can be determined at the point where the Marginal Cost (MC) curve intersects the Marginal Revenue (MR) curve, which is not explicitly marked but should usually align with the profit-maximizing output levels on the graph.

---

This graph is crucial for understanding how firms make production decisions to minimize costs and maximize profitability within microeconomic principles.
Transcribed Image Text:Below is the transcription and detailed explanation of the graph displayed in the image. --- ### Cost Curves in Microeconomics **Graph Explanation:** The graph depicted here illustrates several important economic cost curves for a firm. These curves are essential for understanding the firm's cost structure and economic decisions: 1. **Y-Axis (Dollars per Unit):** - The vertical axis represents the cost in dollars per unit of the good produced. - The scale begins at $0 and increments by $8, ranging up to $120. 2. **X-Axis (Quantity Produced):** - The horizontal axis represents the quantity of goods produced. - The scale begins at 0 and increments by 100, ranging up to approximately 500 units. 3. **Curves:** - **MC (Marginal Cost):** - Depicted as the upward-sloping curve that intersects with both ATC and AVC. - It starts from a lower point, increasing steeply as the quantity increases. - **MR (Marginal Revenue):** - Depicted as a horizontal line extending across the graph. - **ATC (Average Total Cost):** - Starts at a higher point compared to AVC and MC, generally 'U' shaped, intersecting the MC curve at its lowest point. - **AVC (Average Variable Cost):** - Also 'U' shaped but starts at a lower point than ATC, intersecting the MC curve as well. **Key Points:** - The Marginal Cost (MC) curve always intersects both the Average Total Cost (ATC) and the Average Variable Cost (AVC) curves at their respective minimum points. - The output level at which the MC intersects the ATC curve’s lowest point is where the average costs are minimized. **Question for Consideration:** - Based on the figure above, what is the optimal quantity of goods for the firm to produce? The optimal quantity of production can be determined at the point where the Marginal Cost (MC) curve intersects the Marginal Revenue (MR) curve, which is not explicitly marked but should usually align with the profit-maximizing output levels on the graph. --- This graph is crucial for understanding how firms make production decisions to minimize costs and maximize profitability within microeconomic principles.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Marginal Benefit and Marginal Cost
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar 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