📚 Learning Guide
Understanding Marginal Costs
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In the context of marginal costs, how do variable costs differ from long-run costs when a firm is making production decisions?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Variable costs remain constant regardless of production levels, while long-run costs vary with output.

B

Variable costs fluctuate with production levels, whereas long-run costs are fixed in the short term.

C

Variable costs include only labor costs, while long-run costs encompass all types of costs.

D

Variable costs change with the level of output, while long-run costs include all costs that can vary over a longer time frame.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

When a firm is making production decisions, understanding marginal costs is important. Variable costs are costs that change with the level of production, like materials and labor needed for each additional item made. In contrast, long-run costs are the total costs a firm faces when it can adjust all its resources, including fixed costs like buildings or equipment. For example, if a toy factory decides to produce 100 more toys, the variable costs will include the extra plastic and labor, while long-run costs will consider how many machines to buy if production increases significantly in the future. Essentially, variable costs help in short-term decisions, while long-run costs guide the overall strategy of the business.

Detailed Explanation

Variable costs change as production levels change. Other options are incorrect because This answer suggests variable costs do not change, which is incorrect; This option says long-run costs are fixed, but they can change over time.

Key Concepts

variable costs
long-run costs
Topic

Understanding Marginal Costs

Difficulty

medium level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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