Math Problem Statement
Consider the following. C = x3 − 10x2 + 34x Use the cost function to find the production level at which the average cost is a minimum. x = For this production level, show that the marginal cost and average cost are equal. Use a graphing utility to graph the average cost function and verify your results. marginal cost $ average cost $
Solution
We are given the cost function:
Step 1: Find the production level where the average cost is minimized.
The average cost function is obtained by dividing the total cost by the number of units produced :
To minimize the average cost, we take the derivative of and set it equal to zero to find critical points:
Setting :
Solving for :
Thus, the production level at which the average cost is minimized is .
Step 2: Verify that at this production level, the marginal cost and average cost are equal.
The marginal cost is the derivative of the total cost function :
Substituting into :
Now, substitute into the average cost function :
Therefore, at , both the marginal cost and the average cost are equal to .
Step 3: Graph the average cost function and verify the result.
To verify, we can graph the average cost function . At , the minimum point should occur, and we have already established that , matching the marginal cost at that production level.
Would you like more details or help with the graph?
Here are 5 relative questions that expand on this:
- How does the shape of the graph change with variations in the coefficients of the cost function?
- What is the economic significance of the marginal cost being equal to the average cost?
- How would the solution change if we added a constant to the cost function?
- Can you explain the relationship between fixed costs and the average cost function?
- How do we interpret the second derivative of the average cost function in terms of concavity?
Tip: Always remember that the production level where average cost is minimized is the point where marginal cost equals average cost.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Calculus
Optimization
Cost Functions
Formulas
Average Cost: AC(x) = C(x)/x
Marginal Cost: MC(x) = d(C(x))/dx
Derivative: d(x^2 - 10x + 34)/dx
Theorems
Optimization Theorem (finding minima/maxima using derivatives)
Suitable Grade Level
Undergraduate (Economics, Calculus)
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