The long-run average cost curve touches the short-run average cost curve at the A. minimum points of all short-run average cost curves B. declining points of all short-run average cost curves C. minimum point of only one of the short run cost curve D. rising points of all short-run average cost curves

Economics
The long-run average cost curve touches the short-run average cost curve at the A. minimum points of all short-run average cost curves B. declining points of all short-run average cost curves C. minimum point of only one of the short run cost curve D. rising points of all short-run average cost curves

ScanSolve AI Answer

Answer

A

Step 1: The long-run average cost (LRAC) curve is the lower envelope of all possible short-run average cost (SRAC) curves, each for a different fixed input (plant size) level.

Step 2: For each output level, LRAC equals the minimum SRAC over all plant sizes.

Step 3: The LRAC touches (is tangent to) each SRAC at the plant size optimal for that output, which occurs precisely at the minimum point of that SRAC (where short-run marginal cost equals SRAC).

Step 4: Thus, across all SRACs, the points of tangency are the minimum points of all short-run average cost curves (not just declining/rising portions or only one curve).

The correct description is option A.

A

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Quick Answer

The long-run average cost (LRAC) curve is the lower envelope of all possible short-run average cost (SRAC) curves, each for a different fixed input (plant size) level.

The long-run average cost curve touches the short-run average cost curve at the A. minimum points of all short-run average cost curves B. declining points of all short-run average cost curves C. minimum point of only one of the short run cost curve D. rising points of all short-run average cost curves
Economics

This economics question tests your understanding of economic models and analysis. The step-by-step answer below applies the relevant framework and explains the reasoning.

ScanSolve AI Answer
Step 1: The long-run average cost (LRAC) curve is the lower envelope of all possible short-run average cost (SRAC) curves, each for a different fixed input (plant size) level. Step 2: For each output level, LRAC equals the minimum SRAC over all plant sizes. Step 3: The LRAC touches (is tangent to) each SRAC at the plant size optimal for that output, which occurs precisely at the minimum point of that SRAC (where short-run marginal cost equals SRAC). Step 4: Thus, across all SRACs, the points of tangency are the minimum points of all short-run average cost curves (not just declining/rising portions or only one curve). The correct description is option A. A