Math Problem Statement

A publisher for a promising new novel figures fixed costs​ (overhead, advances,​ promotion, copy​ editing, typesetting, and so​ on) at ​$54,000​, and variable costs​ (printing, paper,​ binding, shipping) at ​$1.30 for each book produced. If the book is sold to distributors for ​$15 ​each, how many must be produced and sold for the publisher to break​ even?

Solution

To determine the break-even point for the publisher, we need to use the break-even formula:

Break-even point (in units)=Fixed CostsPrice per UnitVariable Cost per Unit\text{Break-even point (in units)} = \frac{\text{Fixed Costs}}{\text{Price per Unit} - \text{Variable Cost per Unit}}

Given dataTo determine the break-even point for the publisher, we need to use the break-even formula:

Break-even point (in units)=Fixed CostsPrice per UnitVariable Cost per Unit\text{Break-even point (in units)} = \frac{\text{Fixed Costs}}{\text{Price per Unit} - \text{Variable Cost per Unit}}

Given

  • Fixed Costs: $54,000\$54,000
  • Variable Costs per unit: $1.30\$1.30
  • Price per unit (selling price): $15.00\$15.00

Now, we can plug these values into the formula:

Break-even point=54,00015.001.30\text{Break-even point} = \frac{54,000}{15.00 - 1.30}

Let's calculate this.

Break-even point=54,00013.703,942.34\text{Break-even point} = \frac{54,000}{13.70} \approx 3,942.34

Since the number of books must be a whole number, the publisher needs to produce and sell at least 3,943 books to break even.

Would you like a detailed breakdown or have further questions? Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. What happens to the break-even point if the price per unit increases to $20?
  2. How much profit will the publisher make if they sell 5,000 books?
  3. What is the total cost for producing 3,943 books?
  4. How does a change in fixed costs impact the break-even point?
  5. What if variable costs increase to $2.00 per book?

Tip: Always factor in both fixed and variable costs when estimating the break-even point for a business.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Break-even Analysis
Linear Equations

Formulas

Break-even point (in units) = Fixed Costs / (Price per Unit - Variable Cost per Unit)

Theorems

Break-even theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12