Rufus Runs a Skunk-Skinning Service in West Virginia

question 82

Essay

Rufus runs a skunk-skinning service in West Virginia.He employs skinners at a wage rate of $240 a week for each one.He leases the shack where his workers work for $200 per week.The rent is fixed for the next two years.Last week his 10 employees managed to skin a total of 300 skunks.
a.What is the average product of labor for Rufus's company?
b.What is Rufus's total variable cost per week?
c.What is the average variable cost for Rufus's company?
d.If Rufus adds his brother Jethro to his staff,at a wage rate of $240 a week,and his company can now skin 310 skunks per week,what is Rufus's new average variable cost?

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Definitions:

Demand Conditions

The various factors affecting consumer desire for goods or services, including price, income levels, and preferences.

Monopolist

A market participant who has exclusive control over the supply of a particular good or service, allowing them to potentially set prices above competitive levels.

Produced Quantity

The amount of goods or services generated by a business or economy within a specific period.

Monopolist

An entity that is the sole provider of a particular good or service, thereby controlling the entire market for that good or service.