Math Problem Statement

A company produces high-quality computer monitors. Their average cost per unit (in euro) when producing x thousand monitors per month is given by the function C(x) = 4x^2 - 100x + 800. i. What is the average cost per unit when production is at 5,000 monitors per month? ii. How many monitors should be produced per month in order to minimise the average cost per unit? iii. What is the minimum possible average cost per unit according to this function?

Solution

Let's analyze and solve the given problem step by step. The average cost function is:

C(x)=4x2100x+800C(x) = 4x^2 - 100x + 800

where xx is the production in thousands of monitors per month.

(i) Average cost at 5,000 monitors per month

Since xx represents production in thousands, x=5x = 5 for 5,000 monitors. Substitute x=5x = 5 into C(x)C(x):

C(5)=4(52)100(5)+800C(5) = 4(5^2) - 100(5) + 800 C(5)=4(25)500+800=100500+800=400C(5) = 4(25) - 500 + 800 = 100 - 500 + 800 = 400

Answer: The average cost per unit is 400 euros when producing 5,000 monitors per month.


(ii) Production level to minimize average cost

To minimize C(x)C(x), find the vertex of the quadratic function. For a quadratic function ax2+bx+cax^2 + bx + c, the xx-coordinate of the vertex is given by:

x=b2ax = -\frac{b}{2a}

Here, a=4a = 4 and b=100b = -100. Substituting:

x=1002(4)=1008=12.5x = -\frac{-100}{2(4)} = \frac{100}{8} = 12.5

Thus, the average cost is minimized when x=12.5x = 12.5, i.e., when 12,500 monitors are produced per month.

Answer: The production level to minimize average cost is 12,500 monitors per month.


(iii) Minimum possible average cost

To find the minimum average cost, substitute x=12.5x = 12.5 into C(x)C(x):

C(12.5)=4(12.52)100(12.5)+800C(12.5) = 4(12.5^2) - 100(12.5) + 800 C(12.5)=4(156.25)1250+800=6251250+800=175C(12.5) = 4(156.25) - 1250 + 800 = 625 - 1250 + 800 = 175

Answer: The minimum possible average cost per unit is 175 euros.


Final Summary:

  1. Average cost at 5,000 monitors per month: 400 euros.
  2. Production level to minimize cost: 12,500 monitors per month.
  3. Minimum average cost: 175 euros.

Would you like further clarification or a detailed graph of the function?

Here are 5 additional questions to extend your understanding:

  1. What happens to the cost if production is increased beyond 12,500 monitors?
  2. How does the coefficient of x2x^2 affect the shape of the graph?
  3. What is the significance of the constant term 800800 in the function?
  4. How would you calculate the total cost instead of the average cost using this data?
  5. How can this function be used for profit analysis if a selling price is given?

Tip: When dealing with quadratic cost functions, always look for the vertex to find the optimal production level or cost.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Quadratic Functions
Optimization
Vertex of a Parabola

Formulas

C(x) = ax^2 + bx + c
Vertex formula x = -b/(2a)

Theorems

Properties of Quadratic Functions
Minimum value of a parabola

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12