📚 Learning Guide
Marginal Analysis in Economics
hard

A company is considering whether to produce one additional unit of a product. The marginal cost of producing this unit is $50, while the marginal benefit is estimated to be $70. Which category does this decision fall into and why?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Profit Maximization - The marginal benefit exceeds the marginal cost, indicating a profitable decision.

B

Loss Minimization - The marginal cost is lower than the marginal benefit, but it still results in a loss overall.

C

Inefficient Allocation - The marginal costs are too high, leading to waste of resources regardless of benefits.

D

Break-even Analysis - The marginal cost equals the marginal benefit, resulting in no profit or loss.

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

This decision falls into the category of marginal analysis, which helps companies determine the additional benefits and costs of producing one more unit of a product. In this case, the marginal cost of producing the extra unit is $50, while the marginal benefit is $70. Since the benefit of $70 is greater than the cost of $50, it means that producing this additional unit will increase the company's profit. Therefore, the company should go ahead and produce the extra unit because it will gain a net benefit of $20. This example shows how understanding marginal analysis can guide businesses in making effective production decisions.

Detailed Explanation

The extra benefit of $70 is greater than the cost of $50. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that a lower cost than benefit still leads to a loss; This option suggests that costs are too high overall.

Key Concepts

Marginal Analysis
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Opportunity Cost
Topic

Marginal Analysis in Economics

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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