For a firm with a Total Cost function TC C(Q), recall that the definitions of Marginal Cost (MC) and Average Total Cost (ATC) are given as follows: Marginal Cost (MC) = C'(0) Average Total Cost (ATC) = C(Q)/Q Prove that the marginal cost is equal to the average total cost (MC = ATC) when the average total cost is at its minimum value. (Hint: By using the definition of average cost function, find the quantity that minimizes it by applying unconstraint optimization. Show that the FOC of the minimization problem implies that MC=ATC has to be satisfied at the minimum level of average cost.)

Survey Of Economics
10th Edition
ISBN:9781337111522
Author:Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:Tucker, Irvin B.
Chapter6: Proudction Costs
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 8SQ
icon
Related questions
Question

For a firm with a Total Cost function TC C(Q), recall that the definitions of Marginal Cost (MC) and Average
Total Cost
(ATC) are given as follows:
Marginal Cost (MC) = C'(0)
Average Total Cost (ATC) = C(Q)/Q
Prove that the marginal cost is equal to the average total cost (MC = ATC) when the average total cost is at its
minimum value.
(Hint: By using the definition of average cost function, find the quantity that minimizes it by applying unconstraint optimization.
Show that the FOC of the minimization problem implies that MC=ATC has to be satisfied at the minimum level of average cost.)

Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Cost-minimizing Input Choice
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Survey Of Economics
Survey Of Economics
Economics
ISBN:
9781337111522
Author:
Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:
Cengage,
Micro Economics For Today
Micro Economics For Today
Economics
ISBN:
9781337613064
Author:
Tucker, Irvin B.
Publisher:
Cengage,
Microeconomics A Contemporary Intro
Microeconomics A Contemporary Intro
Economics
ISBN:
9781285635101
Author:
MCEACHERN
Publisher:
Cengage
Microeconomic Theory
Microeconomic Theory
Economics
ISBN:
9781337517942
Author:
NICHOLSON
Publisher:
Cengage
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Economics For Today
Economics For Today
Economics
ISBN:
9781337613040
Author:
Tucker
Publisher:
Cengage Learning