If the Profit-Maximizing Quantity of Production for a Competitive Firm

question 42

Multiple Choice

If the profit-maximizing quantity of production for a competitive firm occurs at a point where the firm's average total cost of production is falling as production increases, then the firm

• A)will be earning positive economic profit at the profit-maximizing quantity.
• B)will have economic profit less than zero at the profit-maximizing quantity.
• C)will have zero economic profit at the profit-maximizing quantity.
• D)should increase the quantity of production to increase profit.

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Definitions:

Joint Cost

The cost of the input and process that yields two or more products in fixed proportions as a result. For example, the cost of the barrel of oil and of splitting it into gasoline and motor oil is a joint cost.

Service Departments

Refers to the divisions or units within an organization that provide support services to the production or operational departments rather than directly producing goods or services.

Total Costs

The sum of all expenses incurred in the production of goods or services, including direct and indirect costs, both variable and fixed.