question
On a graph the optimal level of activity is where
answer
the difference between total benefits and total costs is the greatest
question
marginal cost equation
answer
MC=ΔTC/ΔA
question
Optimal level of the activity
answer
when MB=MC
question
marginal analysis
answer
Analytical technique for solving optimization problems that involves changing values of choice variables by small amounts to see if the objective function can be further improved
question
When should a decision-maker using an unconstrained maximization problem increase the activity?
answer
when MB>MC
question
When should a decision maker using an unconstrained maximization problem decrease the activity?
answer
when MB<MC
question
In an unconstrained maximization problem with a discrete choice variable, the optimal level of activity is the last level for which
answer
Marginal benefit exceeds marginal cost (MB>MC)
question
Net Benefit
answer
The difference between total benefits and total costs.
question
What should be ignored in optimization problems
answer
sunk costs and fixed costs
question
The optimal level of an activity is one that
answer
Maximizes net benefits
question
Marginal benefits
answer
change in total benefit caused by change in level of an activity.
question
Decision maker chooses the activity with the
answer
highest marginal benefit per dollar spent
question
When MB=MC
answer
optimal level of activity has been met
question
Constrained optimization
answer
Managers must choose the levels of two or more activities in order to maximize a TB function
question
The total cost function can be minimized as long as
answer
the marginal benefit per dollar spent for all activities are equal
question
Examples of choosing the activity with the highest marginal benefit per dollar spent include:
answer
buying a char with the highest safety rating at the same price as all other models. Choosing the photocopier that produces a higher number of sheets per monthly rental
question
A decision maker will solve a constrained optimization problem by choosing the levels of the activities such that
answer
the marginal benefit per dollar spent for each activity is the same.
question
constrained minimization problem
answer
involve minimizing total cost function (objective function) subject to a constraint that the levels of activities be chosen such that a given level of total benefit is achieved