📚 Learning Guide
Understanding Fixed Costs and Decisions
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A company has fixed costs of $10,000 and sells its product for $50 each with a variable cost of $30. What is the break-even point in units, and how does the contribution margin affect pricing decisions?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

500 units; Higher contribution margin allows for more flexibility in pricing

B

300 units; Lower contribution margin limits pricing options

C

400 units; Higher contribution margin reduces risk

D

600 units; Contribution margin has no effect on pricing

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

To find the break-even point in units, we first need to understand the contribution margin, which is the selling price minus the variable cost. In this case, the contribution margin is $50 (selling price) minus $30 (variable cost), giving us $20 per unit. The break-even point is when total revenue equals total costs, which means we need to cover the fixed costs of $10,000 using the contribution margin. To find the break-even point, we divide the fixed costs by the contribution margin: $10,000 divided by $20 equals 500 units. This means the company must sell 500 units to cover all costs, and understanding the contribution margin helps the company make pricing decisions, as it shows how much each sale contributes to covering fixed costs and generating profit.

Detailed Explanation

To find the break-even point, we need to cover fixed costs. Other options are incorrect because This answer misunderstands how to calculate the break-even point; This option confuses the break-even calculation.

Key Concepts

break-even analysis
contribution margin
Topic

Understanding Fixed Costs and Decisions

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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