In: Economics
Draw a diagram showing the typical relationship between the Average Total Cost (ATC) and Marginal Cost (MC) curves for a firm.
The Marginal Cost (MC) curves for a firm are related to the shape of the ATC and AVC curves in the following ways:
-- At a level of quantity at which the marginal cost curve is above the average total cost, the latter curve is rising
-- If marginal cost equals average total cost, then average total cost is at its minimum value.
-- If marginal cost is below average total cost, then the latter curve is falling.
Average total cost curve is a U-shape. It is always the case when there is increasing marginal costs. Also marginal cost curve intersects the ATC curve at the ATC curve's minimum point. It will always be the case when there is increasing marginal costs. Due to fixed cost, marginal cost almost always starts below average total cost. As quantity rises, ATC will fall and MC will rise. Eventually they intersect, and then MC continues to rises and pulls ATC up after it.