Show that for a profit-maximizing firm producing at its optimal quantity, y∗, its average total costis minimized when marginal cost is equal to average total cost. Some tips to get you started: •Say the firm’s profit function is π=py∗−c(y∗). What is average total cost? •Find the first order condition that will show when average total cost is minimized. Use thefirst order condition to arrive at the desired conclusion.

Economics (MindTap Course List)
13th Edition
ISBN:9781337617383
Author:Roger A. Arnold
Publisher:Roger A. Arnold
Chapter21: Production And Costs
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 9WNG
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Show that for a profit-maximizing firm producing at its optimal quantity, y, its average total costis minimized when marginal cost is equal to average total cost. Some tips to get you started:

•Say the firm’s profit function is π=py−c(y). What is average total cost?

•Find the first order condition that will show when average total cost is minimized. Use thefirst order condition to arrive at the desired conclusion.

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