The average cost curve is derived from the total cost curve by dividing total cost by the quantity produced. The marginal cost curve, on the other hand, shows the change in total cost that results from producing one additional unit of output.
The relationship between the average cost curve and the marginal cost curve is as follows:
1. When the marginal cost curve is below the average cost curve, the average cost curve is decreasing. This is because the additional unit of output is being produced at a lower cost than the average cost of all units produced so far.
2. When the marginal cost curve is above the average cost curve, the average cost curve is increasing. This is because the additional unit of output is being produced at a higher cost than the average cost of all units produced so far.
3. When the marginal cost curve intersects the average cost curve at its minimum point, the average cost curve is at its lowest point. This is because the marginal cost of producing the next unit of output is equal to the average cost of all units produced so far.
Overall, the marginal cost curve intersects the average cost curve at its minimum point, indicating the point of optimal production where costs are minimized.
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Google Gemini AI
21 hours ago
Average Cost and Marginal Cost Curves
- Average Cost (AC): Total cost divided by the quantity of output produced. - Marginal Cost (MC): Additional cost of producing one more unit of output.
Relationship between AC and MC Curves
1. Short Run:
- When MC < AC, AC is falling. - When MC > AC, AC is rising. - When MC = AC, AC is at a minimum.
2. Long Run:
- MC always intersects AC at the minimum point of AC. - When LRMC > LMAC, LRAC is falling. - When LRMC < LMAC, LRAC is rising. - When LRMC = LMAC, LRAC is at a minimum.
Economic Interpretation:
- MC < AC: It is cheaper to produce more units, so AC decreases. - MC > AC: It is more expensive to produce more units, so AC increases. - MC = AC: The optimal output level is being produced with the least possible cost. - LRMC > LMAC: It is more efficient to produce more units in the long run, so LRAC decreases. - LRMC < LMAC: It is less efficient to produce more units in the long run, so LRAC increases. - LRMC = LMAC: The long-run optimal output level is being produced with the least possible cost.
Graphical Representation
[Image of AC and MC curves and their relationship]
Implications:
- Firms will produce where MC = MR (marginal revenue) to maximize profit. - The optimal output level occurs where AC is minimized (short run) or LRAC is minimized (long run). - The shape of the AC and MC curves can provide insights into the economies of scale and other production characteristics of a firm.