Math Problem Statement

For a new product, a manufacturer spends $140 to produce each unit that sells for $230 per unit. There is also a fixed cost of $1,200. a. Find the break-even point. b. What is the profit function for this commodity? c. How much profit is generated when 2,000 units of the product are produced?

Solution

Let's go through the problem step by step.


Given:

  • Cost to produce each unit: $140
  • Selling price per unit: $230
  • Fixed cost: $1,200

a) Break-even point:

The break-even point occurs when total costs equal total revenue.

  1. Revenue function R(x)R(x):
    R(x)=230xR(x) = 230x, where xx is the number of units sold.

  2. Cost function C(x)C(x):
    C(x)=140x+1200C(x) = 140x + 1200, where 140x140x is the variable cost and $1,200 is the fixed cost.

  3. Break-even point condition:
    R(x)=C(x)R(x) = C(x)

230x=140x+1200230x = 140x + 1200 Solving for xx:

230x140x=1200230x - 140x = 1200 90x=120090x = 1200 x=120090=13.33x = \frac{1200}{90} = 13.33

So, the break-even point is at approximately 14 units (since the number of units must be a whole number).


b) Profit function:

Profit is the difference between revenue and cost.

P(x)=R(x)C(x)P(x) = R(x) - C(x) Substitute the functions:

P(x)=230x(140x+1200)P(x) = 230x - (140x + 1200) Simplify:

P(x)=230x140x1200P(x) = 230x - 140x - 1200 P(x)=90x1200P(x) = 90x - 1200

Thus, the profit function is P(x)=90x1200P(x) = 90x - 1200.


c) Profit for 2,000 units:

Substitute x=2000x = 2000 into the profit function:

P(2000)=90(2000)1200P(2000) = 90(2000) - 1200 P(2000)=180,0001200P(2000) = 180,000 - 1200 P(2000)=178,800P(2000) = 178,800

So, the profit for producing and selling 2,000 units is $178,800.


Would you like further details or clarifications? Here are 5 questions to expand on this:

  1. How does the profit change with the increase in the cost per unit?
  2. What if the fixed cost increased to $2,000? How would the break-even point be affected?
  3. Can the profit function be used to predict losses? If so, how?
  4. What happens if the selling price is reduced by 10%? How does that affect the break-even point?
  5. How does the break-even analysis help businesses in pricing their products?

Tip: Break-even analysis is a crucial tool in understanding the relationship between cost, revenue, and profit. It helps businesses make informed decisions on production levels and pricing strategies.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Algebra
Linear Equations
Profit and Cost Analysis

Formulas

Revenue function: R(x) = 230x
Cost function: C(x) = 140x + 1200
Profit function: P(x) = R(x) - C(x)

Theorems

Break-even Analysis

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12