Two Firms, a and B, Both Produce Widgets

question 32

Multiple Choice

Two firms, A and B, both produce widgets. The price of widgets is $1 each. Firm A has total fixed costs of $500,000 and variable costs of 50¢ per widget. Firm B has total fixed costs of $240,000 and variable costs of 75¢ per widget. The corporate tax rate is 40%. If the economy is strong, each firm will sell 1,200,000 widgets. If the economy enters a recession, each firm will sell 1,100,000 widgets. Calculate firm A's degree of operating leverage.

• A) 11.0
• B) 2.86
• C) 9.09
• D) 1.00

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Definitions:

Eminent Domain

The right of a government to expropriate private property for public use, with compensation to the owner.

Private Property

Land or belongings owned by an individual or group, legally protected by laws of the jurisdiction in which it is located.

Contracting Power

The authority granted to entities, often within the government, to enter into legal agreements or contracts, often for procurement or services.

Government Agencies

Organizations at the federal, state, or local level that implement and manage specific government policies and programs.