Question
Ikes Bikes is a major manufacturer of bicycles. Currently, the company produces bikes using only one factory. However, it is considering expanding production to two
Ikes Bikes is a major manufacturer of bicycles. Currently, the company produces bikes using only one factory. However, it is considering expanding production to two or even three factories. The following table shows the companys short-run average total cost (SRATC) each month for various levels of production if it uses one, two, or three factories. (Note: Q equals the total quantity of bikes produced by all factories.)
Number of Factories | Average Total Cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(Dollars per bike) | ||||||
Q = 25 | Q = 50 | Q = 75 | Q = 100 | Q = 125 | Q = 150 | |
1 | 130 | 100 | 80 | 100 | 140 | 200 |
2 | 165 | 120 | 80 | 80 | 120 | 165 |
3 | 200 | 140 | 100 | 80 | 100 | 130 |
Suppose Ikes Bikes is currently producing 50 bikes per month in its only factory. Its short-run average total cost is
per bike.
Suppose Ikes Bikes is expecting to produce 50 bikes per month for several years. In this case, in the long run, it would choose to produce bikes using .
On the following graph, plot the three SRATC curves for Ikes Bikes from the previous table. Specifically, use the green points (triangle symbol) to plot its SRATC curve if it operates one factory (SRATC1SRATC1); use the purple points (diamond symbol) to plot its SRATC curve if it operates two factories (SRATC2SRATC2); and use the orange points (square symbol) to plot its SRATC curve if it operates three factories (SRATC3SRATC3). Finally, plot the long-run average total cost (LRATC) curve for Ikes Bikes using the blue points (circle symbol).
Note: Plot your points in the order in which you would like them connected. Line segments will connect the points automatically.
SRATC1SRATC2SRATC3LRATC0255075100125150175200180160140120100806040200AVERAGE TOTAL COST (Dollars per bike)QUANTITY (Bikes)
In the following table, indicate whether the long-run average cost curve exhibits economies of scale, constant returns to scale, or diseconomies of scale for each range of bike production.
Range | Economies of Scale | Constant Returns to Scale | Diseconomies of Scale | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fewer than 75 bikes per month |
|
|
| |
More than 100 bikes per month |
|
|
| |
Between 75 and 100 bikes per month |
|
|
|
Step by Step Solution
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started