Question
Explain the concept of Average Fixed Cost.

Answer

  • By dividing fixed cost by the units of output, average fixed cost, can be obtained.
  • Average fixed cost is per unit fixed cost.
  • To find out average fixed cost, the following equation is used.
  • Equation :
    • Fixed Cost and Average
  • Fixed Cost :
    • In short term production, fixed cost does not change therefore fixed cost line is parallel to axis.
  • While average fixed cost shows the tendency of continuous decline.
  • As units of production output increase, fixed cost is distributed among more and more units and so average fixed cost decline and therefore, its line has a negative slope.
  • Average fixed cost $(AFC)$ is seen with negative slope and very near to horizontal axis but never touch it because $AFC$ never become zero.
  • Explanation through figure and schedule :
    • As per above schedule at $60 \ Z$ fixed cost , by increasing units of production, the average fixed cost $(AFC)$ showing decreasing trend, which can be presented in the figure. In the given figure, on $OX$ axis Units of production and on $OY$ axis average fixed cost is given.
  • $AFC$ is decrease because of increasing production.
  • Which shows by point $a, b, c, d$ and $e.$
  • By joining these points we obtained.
  • Average Fixed Cost Curve.
  • $AFC$ curve seen from left side to right side, from upward to downward with negative slope.
    • Explain the concept of Average Variable Cost with figure.
    • By dividing total variable cost by units of production we get average variable cost $(AVC)$.
    • Average variable cost is a per unit variable cost.
    • The concept of average variable cost is very useful in taking decision regarding production.
    • It is helpful in taking decision regarding increase in production, decrease in production or to stop the production.
  • Equation :$\frac{Total \ Variable \ Cost \ (TVC)}{Total \ Umits \ of \ Production\ (TP)}$ 
  • Illustration :
    • Suppose the total variable cost of $10$ commodities of $x$ is $Rs. 200.$ Then
    • Average Variable Cost $(AVC) =\frac{200}{10} = Rs. 20$
    • The total variable cost increases with increase of production and if production stop it becomes zero.
    • Therefore, Total Variable Cost $(TVC)$ curve is with positive slope from origin.
    • The average variable cost has a tendency of declining in the beginning and after optimum level, it has tendency of increasing because the law of diminishing returns is operate.
    • It means that average variable cost has a relation with the units of production.
    • This matter can be presented by following figure and schedule.
  • Figure and Schedule :
    • In the above, figure, on $OX$ axis units of production and $OY$ axis average variable cost are given.
    • We can see from the schedule that total average cost increase with increase in units (proportion) of production.
    • But in starting increasing returns to scale operates and because of that average variable cost decreases.
    • Up to third unit $AVC$ decreases. After completing optimum level, decreasing returns to scale operates and AVC increases.
    • Therefore, in the beginning, decreasing return to scale operates and after optimum level it is increasing.

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