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Which of the following is/are true about the short run costs?

(A) Marginal cost is the slope of total variable cost.

(B) Average fixed cost curve is a downward sloping rectangular hyperbola.

(C) Average variable cost curve is a U shaped curve.

(D) Average variable cost curve and average cost curve are parallel to each other.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Solution

✅ Correct Option: 4

(A) Marginal cost is the slope of total variable cost -> TRUE. Since MC = dTC/dQ and TC = TFC + TVC, where TFC is constant, MC = dTVC/dQ, making it the slope of TVC.

(B) Average fixed cost curve is a downward sloping rectangular hyperbola -> TRUE. AFC = TFC/Q. As output increases, AFC continuously decreases following the rectangular hyperbola form (xy = constant).

(C) Average variable cost curve is a U shaped curve -> TRUE. Due to the law of variable proportions, AVC initially falls, reaches a minimum, then rises, creating a U-shape.

(D) Average variable cost curve and average cost curve are parallel to each other -> FALSE. Since AC = AFC + AVC, the vertical distance between AC and AVC equals AFC, which continuously decreases. Therefore, these curves converge rather than remain parallel.


Hence, Option 4: (A), (B) and (C) only -> Statements A, B, and C correctly describe short run cost behavior. Statement D is incorrect because AC and AVC curves are not parallel; they converge as output increases since the gap between them (AFC) continuously decreases. The AC curve lies above AVC by a diminishing vertical distance -> correct

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