A Firm Is Currently Buying a Part at a Cost

question 49

Multiple Choice

A firm is currently buying a part at a cost of $12 each. It is considering buying a machine that will produce the part at a variable cost of $8. Each unit of input produces the part plus a by-product, which is sold for $1. The machine will cost $40,000 and will have a useful life of 5 years. The firm requires an 8% return. What annual volume is necessary to justify making the investment? Ignore income taxes.

• A) 2,558 units
• B) 3,198 units
• C) 12,792 units
• D) 8,000 units

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Definitions:

Firm

An organization, especially one involved in business or commerce, that produces and sells goods or services.

Economic Profit

The difference between a firm's total revenue and its total costs, including both explicit and implicit costs.

Profit-Maximizing Output

The level of production at which a company achieves the highest possible profit, where marginal cost equals marginal revenue.

Firm

A business organization, such as a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship, engaged in commercial, industrial, or professional activities.