Question

American Idle sells hammocks in a perfectly competitive market. This year, the price of hammocks has fallen to $24, and Simon Cowbell, the manager of American Idle, is trying to decide what to do. He discovers that his average variable cost (AVC) is $25, average total cost (ATC) is $30, and marginal cost is $24 and upward sloping. What should he do?

Answer 1

Answer:

Shut down as P < AVC.

Explanation:

Given that,

Selling price = $24

Average variable cost = $25

Average total cost (ATC) = $30

Marginal cost = $24

He should shut down because the price received by him for the product is less than average variable cost. He should shut down its operations because he won't be able cover the average variable cost associated with the production of the product.

Price = $24 which is less than average variable cost of $25.

If he will be able to cover its variable cost then he will continue operating in this market condition.