2.7 The concept of economies of scale refers to lower per- unit production costs at higher levels of output. The easi- est way to understand this is to look at whether long-run average cost decreases with output (economies of scale) or whether long-run average cost increases with output (diseconomies of scale). If average cost is constant as out- put rises, there are constant returns to scale. But the con- cept of falling unit costs is all around us. Explain how the concept of economies of scale helps shed light on each of the following: a. building construction b. cloud services providers c. e-invoice versus printed invoice d. a retired couple downsizing from a 4,000 sq. ft. house to a 2,000 sq. ft. apartment LI

2.7 The concept of economies of scale refers to lower per- unit production costs at higher levels of output. The easi- est way to understand this is to look at whether long-run average cost decreases with output (economies of scale) or whether long-run average cost increases with output (diseconomies of scale). If average cost is constant as out- put rises, there are constant returns to scale. But the con- cept of falling unit costs is all around us. Explain how the concept of economies of scale helps shed light on each of the following: a. building construction b. cloud services providers c. e-invoice versus printed invoice d. a retired couple downsizing from a 4,000 sq. ft. house to a 2,000 sq. ft. apartment LI

Exploring Economics

8th Edition

ISBN:9781544336329

Author:Robert L. Sexton

Publisher:Robert L. Sexton

Chapter11: The Firm: Production And Costs

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 21P

See similar textbooks

Similar questions

Do you think that the taxicab industry in large cities would be subject to significant economies of scale? Why or why not?
What shape of a long-run average cost curve illustrates economies of scale, constant returns to scale, and diseconomies of scale?
What shapes would you generally expect each of the following cost curves to have: fixed costs, variable costs, marginal costs, average total costs, and average variable costs?
Average cost curves (except for avenge fixed cost) tend to be U-shaped, decreasing and then increasing. Marginal cost curves have the same shape, though this may be harder to see since most of the marginal cost curve is increasing. Why do you think that average and marginal cost curves have the same general shape?
A common name for fixed cost is overhead. If you divide fixed cost by the quantity of output produced, you get average fixed cost. Supposed fixed cost is 1,000. What does the average fixed cost curve look like? Use your response to explain what spreading the overhead means.
What is the relationship between marginal product and marginal cost? (Hint: Look at the curves.) Why do you suppose that is? Is this relationship the same in the long run as in the short run?
Return to Figure 7.7. What is the marginal gain in output from increasing the number of batters from 4 to 5 and from 5 to 6? Does it continue the pattern of diminishing marginal returns? Figure 7.7 How output Affects Total costs
How do we calculate each of the following: marginal cost, average total cost, and average variable cost?
How does fixed cost affect marginal cost? Why is this relationship important?
What is the difference between fixed costs and variable costs?
Are fixed costs also sunk costs? Explain.