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AP Economics. Mr. Bernstein Module 56: Long Run Costs November 11, 2013. AP Economics Mr. Bernstein. Long Run Costs versus Short Run Costs In the Long Run, firms can change Fixed Costs The LRATC is U-shaped Fixed cost is chosen to minimize ATC for each level of output.
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AP Economics Mr. Bernstein Module 56: Long Run Costs November 11, 2013
AP EconomicsMr. Bernstein Long Run Costs versus Short Run Costs • In the Long Run, firms can change Fixed Costs • The LRATC is U-shaped • Fixed cost is chosen to minimize ATC for each level of output
AP EconomicsMr. Bernstein Long Run Costs versus Short Run Costs • Firms find themselves on Short Run cost curves corresponding to current level of fixed cost, and move along that curve when output is changed • But in reality many possible Short Run cost curves are possible, each with its own level of fixed cost • Over Long Run, firms adjust Fixed Costs based on expectations of future output • LRATC is equivalent to a series of snapshots of a firm, taken after adjustments to fixed costs
AP EconomicsMr. Bernstein Economies of Scale • LRATC is falling as output increases • Specialization • High Setup Costs spreading out • Bulk resource purchase discounts • Diseconomies of scale also exist • LRATC rises as output increases • Increasing costs of management and coordination in large, complex organizations
AP EconomicsMr. Bernstein Sunk costs • Money has been spent and cannot be recovered • Does not impact marginal values • Does not factor in decision-making