Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the definition of Average Cost, which is a key concept in the theory of production and costs.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Average Cost (AC), also known as Average Total Cost (ATC), is the per-unit cost of production. It is calculated by dividing the Total Cost (TC) of production by the total quantity of output (Q) produced.
The formula for Average Cost is:
\[ AC = \frac{TC}{Q} \]
Average Cost gives a firm an idea of the cost of producing a typical unit of output. It is a crucial factor in determining the profitability of a firm (Profit per unit = Price - Average Cost).
The Average Cost curve is typically U-shaped, reflecting the law of variable proportions. It falls initially due to economies of scale and then rises due to diseconomies of scale.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Average Cost is the cost of production per unit of output, calculated by dividing the total cost by the number of units produced.
Match List-I with List-II
| List-I (Term/Name) | List-II (Characteristics) |
|---|---|
| (A) Privatisation | (I) Work which focuses on providing services like trade, transport, financial services etc. |
| (B) Disinvestment | (II) Spread of investment into different types of economic activities in order to reduce risks. |
| (C) Tertiary sector | (III) Private companies can invest in sectors earlier reserved for the government. |
| (D) Diversification | (IV) The government sells its share in public sector companies. |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below: