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Behaviour of Cost in the Short - Run

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Topics

  • Concept and Importance
  • Types of Cost Functions
  • Fixed vs. Variable Costs
  • Real-Life Application
  • Key Points: Behaviour of Cost in the Short - Run
CISCE: Class 12

Concept and Importance

  • Cost behaviour is about how a firm's costs change when production (output) increases or decreases.
  • Helps businesses decide how much to produce and at what price.
CISCE: Class 12

Types of Cost Functions

  • Short-run cost function: When some resources are fixed (cannot change immediately), e.g., machinery.
  • Long-run cost function: When all resources (including machinery/building) can be changed.
CISCE: Class 12

Fixed vs. Variable Costs

Cost Type Changes With Output? Common Examples
Fixed Cost No Rent, permanent staff salary, taxes
Variable Cost Yes Raw materials, casual labor wages, electricity
  • Fixed Costs: Stay the same even if output goes up or down.
    Examples: Factory rent, manager salary, machinery depreciation.
  • Variable Costs: Increase or decrease with output.
    Examples: Payments for raw materials, wages for extra workers, and electricity.
CISCE: Class 12

Real-Life Application

Imagine a bakery:

  • The oven’s cost is fixed—pay it no matter how many cakes you bake.
  • Flour and sugar are variable—buy more only when making more cakes.
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Behaviour of Cost in the Short- Run

  • Short-run cost function splits costs into fixed & variable.
  • Fixed costs do not change with output. Variable costs do.
  • Graphs and tables make these concepts easier to remember.

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