Marginal Cost and Average Cost Quiz

What is the definition of marginal cost (MC)?

• The total cost divided by the quantity of output

• The additional cost incurred by producing one more unit of output

• The cost of labor divided by the number of workers

• The average cost of all units produced

Answer explanation

Marginal cost (MC) refers to the additional cost incurred by producing one more unit of output. This definition distinguishes it from average cost and total cost, making it crucial for decision-making in production.

How are marginal cost (MC) and marginal product (MP) related?

• MC and MP are directly related

• MC and MP are inversely related

• MC and MP are unrelated

• MC and MP are the same

Answer explanation

Marginal cost (MC) and marginal product (MP) are inversely related because as MP increases, the cost of producing each additional unit (MC) tends to decrease, and vice versa. This reflects the law of diminishing returns.

What shape is the marginal cost (MC) curve?

• Linear

• U-shaped

• Exponential

• Circular

Answer explanation

The marginal cost (MC) curve is U-shaped because it initially decreases due to increasing returns to scale, then increases as diminishing returns set in. This reflects the relationship between production levels and costs.

What does the average cost (AC) represent?

• The total cost of all units produced

• The cost of producing one more unit

• The total cost divided by the quantity of output

• The cost of labor per unit

Answer explanation

The average cost (AC) is calculated by dividing the total cost by the quantity of output produced. This gives a per-unit cost, making the correct choice "The total cost divided by the quantity of output."

Where does the marginal cost (MC) curve intersect the average cost (AC) curve?

• At the maximum point of the AC curve

• At the minimum point of the AC curve

• At the starting point of the AC curve

• At the midpoint of the AC curve

Answer explanation

The marginal cost (MC) curve intersects the average cost (AC) curve at the minimum point of the AC curve. This is because when MC is less than AC, AC is decreasing, and when MC is greater than AC, AC is increasing.

What does the Marginal-Average Rule state about the MC and AC curves?

• MC curve intersects the AC curve at its highest point.

• MC curve intersects the AC curve at the minimum point of the AC curve.

• MC curve never intersects the AC curve.

• MC curve intersects the AC curve at the maximum point of the MC curve.

Answer explanation

The Marginal-Average Rule states that the MC curve intersects the AC curve at its minimum point. This is because when MC is below AC, AC is decreasing, and when MC is above AC, AC is increasing.

What happens to the AC when MC is less than AC?

• AC is rising.

• AC is falling.

• AC remains constant.

• AC becomes zero.

Answer explanation

When marginal cost (MC) is less than average cost (AC), it indicates that producing one more unit will lower the average cost. Therefore, AC is falling.

Why does the AC curve initially fall and then rise?

• Due to increasing returns.

• Due to constant returns.

• Due to diminishing returns.

• Due to no returns.

Answer explanation

The AC curve initially falls due to increasing returns to scale, as fixed costs are spread over more output. However, it eventually rises due to diminishing returns, where adding more inputs leads to less efficient production.

What is the shape of the MC curve?

• Linear

• U-shaped

• V-shaped

• Circular

Answer explanation

The MC (Marginal Cost) curve is U-shaped because it initially decreases due to increasing returns to scale, reaches a minimum point, and then increases due to diminishing returns. This characteristic reflects the relationship between output and cost.

What does MC represent in production?

• The cost of producing all units.

• The cost of producing an additional unit.

• The total cost of production.

• The average cost of all units.

Answer explanation

MC stands for Marginal Cost, which specifically refers to the cost of producing one additional unit of a good or service. This is why the correct answer is 'The cost of producing an additional unit.'