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Answer:
- C
- E
- B
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of a "production possibilities curve" is that there is a fixed relationship between possible production of one product and possible production of another. This relationship is presumed to exist because resources used to produce one product are then unavailable to produce the other product.
The graph of the curve generally has increased production in the direction away from the origin. So, points between the curve and the origin represent production choices that do not utilize all available resources of the kind that give rise to the curve. That is, points "inside" the curve represent under-utilization of resources.
1. Point C represents under-utilization.
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2. Points "outside" the curve are unattainable, because the curve represents production using all available resources.
Point E is unattainable.
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3. The assumptions behind the curve are that there must be a tradeoff between production of one item and production of another that uses the same resources. That is, increasing production of one item will necessarily decrease production of the other, representing a cost of the increased production of the first item. We call this cost an "opportunity cost", because it represents production opportunity lost with respect to the second item.
Choice B describes this situation.
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<em>Additional comment</em>
The very idea of a "production possibilities curve" represents the sort of simplification that is often used in the study of economics. The real world is much messier, and these curves are always dynamic. They are affected by the regulatory environment, resource quality, technology, product quality, and availability of alternate or competing products, among other things. The very existence of such a curve precludes the possibility of "win-win" situations, which we know are generally available if they are sought after.
