Chapter 9: Problem 522
For the following exercises, write a system of equations to solve each problem. Solve the system of equations. A factory has a cost of production \(C(x)=150 x+15,000\) and a revenue function \(R(x)=200 x\) . What is the break-even point?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The break-even point is at 300 units.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Problem
To find the break-even point, we need to determine the quantity where costs equal revenue. This is the point where the factory does not make a profit or a loss.
02
Write the System of Equations
We are given the cost function \(C(x) = 150x + 15,000\) and the revenue function \(R(x) = 200x\). To find the break-even point, we set these two functions equal to one another: \(150x + 15,000 = 200x\).
03
Rearrange the Equation
Rearrange the equation \(150x + 15,000 = 200x\) by subtracting \(150x\) from both sides to isolate \(x\) on one side: \(15,000 = 200x - 150x\). This simplifies to \(15,000 = 50x\).
04
Solve for x
Now, solve for \(x\) by dividing both sides by 50: \(x = \frac{15,000}{50}\). When you perform the division, you find that \(x = 300\).
05
Interpret the Solution
The break-even point occurs when \(x = 300\). This means the factory needs to produce and sell 300 units to cover its production costs and achieve no loss or gain.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Break-Even Point
The break-even point in any business scenario is the moment when total costs and total revenue are equal. In simpler terms, it's the stage where a business hasn't made any profit, nor has it incurred any losses. Think of it as the magic balance between expenses and income.
The break-even point is crucial because:
The break-even point is crucial because:
- It helps businesses understand the minimum performance required to avoid losses.
- Provides a clear target for businesses, aiding in strategic planning and decision making.
- Acts as a baseline to evaluate profitability. Once this point is surpassed, any additional units will contribute to profit.
Cost Function
The cost function represents the total cost of producing a specific number of goods. In mathematical terms, it captures both fixed and variable costs.
In our exercise, the cost function given is:
\[ C(x) = 150x + 15,000 \]
In our exercise, the cost function given is:
\[ C(x) = 150x + 15,000 \]
- The term \(150x\) corresponds to the variable cost, which varies with the number of units produced, with \(150\) being the cost per unit.
- The constant \(15,000\) indicates the fixed costs. These are costs that remain constant regardless of the production volume, such as rent, machinery costs, and utility expenses.
- Project future expenses based on different production levels.
- Fine-tune pricing strategies to ensure costs are covered and profits are maximized.
- Make informed decisions about scaling production either upwards or downwards based on cost structures.
Revenue Function
A revenue function is designed to predict the amount of money generated from selling products or services. It essentially reflects the income a company expects based on the quantity of goods sold.
In the problem, the revenue function is expressed as:
\[ R(x) = 200x \]This means each unit produced and sold brings in \(200\) in revenue.
Seeing potential revenue through this function helps companies to:
In the problem, the revenue function is expressed as:
\[ R(x) = 200x \]
Seeing potential revenue through this function helps companies to:
- Estimate income based on sales projections, assisting in future planning and growth estimations.
- Calculate the returns from production once costs are deducted.
- Provide a framework for evaluating market performance and making pricing adjustments.
Solve Equations
Solving equations is a process that involves finding the values of variables that satisfy given mathematical statements. When you're tasked with finding a break-even point, you're often solving for the point where two functions equal each other.
In the context of our exercise, we set the cost and revenue functions equal:\[ 150x + 15,000 = 200x \]This requires eliminating one of the variables to isolate \(x\). Subtracting \(150x\) from both sides, the equation simplifies to:
\[ 15,000 = 50x \]
This reveals a simpler equation with only one unknown. Divide both sides by 50 to solve for \(x\):
In the context of our exercise, we set the cost and revenue functions equal:\[ 150x + 15,000 = 200x \]This requires eliminating one of the variables to isolate \(x\). Subtracting \(150x\) from both sides, the equation simplifies to:
\[ 15,000 = 50x \]
This reveals a simpler equation with only one unknown. Divide both sides by 50 to solve for \(x\):
- \(x = \frac{15,000}{50} = 300\)
- Determine specific values like the break-even quantity in a production strategy.
- Understand relationships between costs, revenue, and output levels.
- Use algebra to make complex business decisions with a mathematical backing.