Question

If a new home can be constructed for $150,000, what is the opportunity cost of federal defense spending, measured in terms of private housing? (Assume a defense budget of $600 billion.)

Answer 1

Answer:

4 million  houses

Explanation:

Opportunity cost is the forfeited benefit as a result of choosing one option over others.  Its value equals the cost of the next best alternative.

The cost of constructing a new home is $150,000.  If the Federal Defence has a budget of $600 billion, the opportunity cost of spending that amount will be the equivalent number of units that can be built by the amount.

To calculate the number of units= $600 billion divided by $150,000

= $600,000,000,000/ $150,000

=4,000,000

=4 million units