📚 Learning Guide
Cost Minimization in Firms
hard

Which of the following scenarios best illustrates the concept of economies of scale leading to cost minimization while maximizing profits for a firm?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

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Choose the Best Answer

A

A bakery increases its output from 100 loaves to 1000 loaves, reducing the average cost per loaf due to bulk purchasing of ingredients.

B

A startup hires one more employee to increase production without altering fixed costs.

C

A farmer uses the same amount of land to produce a greater variety of crops.

D

A small shop reduces its prices on seasonal items to increase foot traffic.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

Economies of scale occur when a company can produce goods at a lower cost per unit as it increases production. This happens because fixed costs, like rent and salaries, are spread over more items, reducing the average cost. For example, if a bakery bakes 100 loaves of bread, it spends a certain amount on ingredients and utilities. But if it bakes 1,000 loaves, the cost per loaf decreases because the bakery still pays the same rent and staff. By producing more, the bakery can sell each loaf at a lower price while still making a profit, thus minimizing costs and maximizing profits.

Detailed Explanation

When the bakery makes more loaves, it buys ingredients in larger amounts. Other options are incorrect because Adding one employee might not lower costs; Growing different crops on the same land doesn't reduce costs.

Key Concepts

average cost
economies of scale
profit maximization
Topic

Cost Minimization in Firms

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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