In: Economics
In the short run, a perfectly competitive firm will shut down and produce nothing if:
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 a.  | 
 economic profits equal zero.  | 
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 b.  | 
 total cost exceeds total revenue.  | 
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 c.  | 
 total variable cost exceeds total revenue.  | 
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 d.  | 
 the market price falls below the minimum average total cost.  | 
c. Total variable cost exceeds total revenue - is correct
The firm shuts down when it is not able to cover variable cost in short run.