What are the key formulas for understanding microeconomics homework?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on essential formulas for solving microeconomics homework related to cost calculations. Key formulas include Total Cost (TC = TFC + TVC), Average Fixed Cost (AFC = TC - AVC), Average Total Cost (ATC = (TVC/Q) + TFC/Q), Total Fixed Cost (TFC = Q x Price), Average Variable Cost (AVC = (TC/Q) - (AFC/Q)), and Total Variable Cost (TVC = (Q x ATC) – (Q x AVC). Participants emphasize the importance of manual calculations over spreadsheet use to maintain accuracy and control over the problem-solving process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of microeconomic concepts such as costs and production levels.
  • Familiarity with the formulas for Total Cost, Average Cost, and Variable Costs.
  • Basic arithmetic skills for manual calculations.
  • Ability to interpret and analyze economic data presented in various formats.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of fixed and variable costs in microeconomic theory.
  • Learn how to derive and interpret cost curves in microeconomics.
  • Explore the use of Excel for economic modeling while understanding its limitations.
  • Study common pitfalls in cost calculations and how to avoid them in homework assignments.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying microeconomics, educators teaching economic principles, and anyone involved in cost analysis and homework assistance in economics.

Kyle Jones
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https://scontent.fdtw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t35.0-12/12238195_10208423803536754_4071850233616539605_o.jpg?oh=c60d216b6c01a308ff1ace639c0d872f&oe=564A9A62

Here's my attempt at the problem:

https://scontent.fdtw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t35.0-12/12244461_10208423784976290_5465359851278665740_o.jpg?oh=2c1814947a0c437e1ad08150810c4e46&oe=564ADA87

Here are all relevant formulas:

TC = TFC + TVC
AFC = TC - AVC
ATC = (TVC/Q) + TFC/Q
TFC = Q x Price
AVC = (TC/Q) - (AFC /Q)
TVC = (Q x ATC) – (Q x AVC)
 
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Kyle Jones said:
https://scontent.fdtw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t35.0-12/12238195_10208423803536754_4071850233616539605_o.jpg?oh=c60d216b6c01a308ff1ace639c0d872f&oe=564A9A62

Here's my attempt at the problem:

https://scontent.fdtw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t35.0-12/12244461_10208423784976290_5465359851278665740_o.jpg?oh=2c1814947a0c437e1ad08150810c4e46&oe=564ADA87

Here are all relevant formulas:

TC = TFC + TVC
AFC = TC - AVC
ATC = (TVC/Q) + TFC/Q
TFC = Q x Price
AVC = (TC/Q) - (AFC /Q)
TVC = (Q x ATC) – (Q x AVC)

It makes no sense to have the total cost go down from $9.2 at Q = 2 to $6 at Q = 3. You should avoid using a spreadsheet for most of this problem; just write things out manually, so you have control over all the calculations at every step. I think getting a spreadsheet to work properly in this problem would be difficult, because you are given data items of differing natures at different output levels, so the things you need to "solve for" differ at the different output levels.
 
Kyle Jones said:
https://scontent.fdtw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t35.0-12/12238195_10208423803536754_4071850233616539605_o.jpg?oh=c60d216b6c01a308ff1ace639c0d872f&oe=564A9A62

Here's my attempt at the problem:

https://scontent.fdtw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t35.0-12/12244461_10208423784976290_5465359851278665740_o.jpg?oh=2c1814947a0c437e1ad08150810c4e46&oe=564ADA87

Here are all relevant formulas:

TC = TFC + TVC
AFC = TC - AVC
ATC = (TVC/Q) + TFC/Q
TFC = Q x Price
AVC = (TC/Q) - (AFC /Q)
TVC = (Q x ATC) – (Q x AVC)
In future posts, please do not delete the three parts of the homework template. The template is required for homework questions.
 
Ray Vickson said:
It makes no sense to have the total cost go down from $9.2 at Q = 2 to $6 at Q = 3. You should avoid using a spreadsheet for most of this problem; just write things out manually, so you have control over all the calculations at every step. I think getting a spreadsheet to work properly in this problem would be difficult, because you are given data items of differing natures at different output levels, so the things you need to "solve for" differ at the different output levels.

Honestly, I just used excel to make it look easier to read and understand. I've been having problems with tables. I know what your concern is though. I don't want to use formulas for this. I don't understand where my math is wrong. That's what is making this assignment so difficult for me.

I gave it my best effort, but I don't know what numbers I've got wrong.
 
Ray Vickson said:
It makes no sense to have the total cost go down from $9.2 at Q = 2 to $6 at Q = 3. You should avoid using a spreadsheet for most of this problem; just write things out manually, so you have control over all the calculations at every step. I think getting a spreadsheet to work properly in this problem would be difficult, because you are given data items of differing natures at different output levels, so the things you need to "solve for" differ at the different output levels.
Does this work? What's really messing me up is output 3
 

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Kyle Jones said:
Does this work? What's really messing me up is output 3
Showing an image of a spreadsheet is no help to us, as it doesn't show the formula that's being used in each cell.
Ray Vickson said:
You should avoid using a spreadsheet for most of this problem; just write things out manually, so you have control over all the calculations at every step.
I agree completely with what Ray said.
 
I'm not using formulas. I'm just typing them in and solving manually. I'm doing the math "by hand" on a calculator and these are the results I'm getting.

If I knew what formulas to type into begin with I wouldn't be on this website.
 
Kyle Jones said:
I'm not using formulas. I'm just typing them in and solving manually. I'm doing the math "by hand" on a calculator and these are the results I'm getting.

If I knew what formulas to type into begin with I wouldn't be on this website.

You are not helping. We cannot just look at the formulas and tell what you have done; you need to write down the details, step-by-step if you have any hope of getting assistance. For instance, when I do the computations for output = 2 I get something totally different from what you present. You need to show how you obtained your figures, and you should do that for at least 3 or 4 output levels. It does not matter if you present the results in tabular form, as long as they are presented in a clearly-labelled way.
 
Figured it out! All good now. Thank you for assistance!