📚 Learning Guide
Cost Minimization in Firms
easy

What is the correct sequence for a firm to minimize its costs when producing goods?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Compare marginal products of labor and capital → Adjust labor and capital usage → Evaluate output per dollar spent → Achieve cost minimization

B

Hire more workers → Invest in more machinery → Ignore marginal products → Reduce prices

C

Evaluate output per dollar spent → Hire more workers → Compare marginal products of labor and capital → Achieve cost maximization

D

Invest in machinery → Reduce workforce → Compare costs → Achieve high production costs

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

To minimize costs when producing goods, a firm should first analyze its production process to identify the most efficient way to use its resources. This involves looking at the inputs, like labor and materials, and ensuring they are used in the right amounts to produce the desired output. Next, the firm can adjust its production scale; producing at a larger scale often reduces costs per unit due to economies of scale. For example, if a bakery finds it cheaper to buy flour in bulk, it can lower its costs by purchasing larger quantities instead of smaller amounts frequently. Finally, the firm should continuously monitor its costs and production methods, making adjustments as needed to stay efficient and competitive.

Detailed Explanation

To minimize costs, a firm should first compare how much extra output it gets from labor and capital. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests hiring more workers and buying more machines without checking their effectiveness; This option starts by evaluating output per dollar spent, which is important but not the first step.

Key Concepts

Cost Minimization
Marginal Product
Resource Allocation
Topic

Cost Minimization in Firms

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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