The given function is expressed as
C(x) = 0.6x^2 - 168x + 24278
This is a quadratic function. The general form of a quadratic function is expressed as
f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c
By comparing with the given function,
a = 0.6
b = - 168
c = 24278
If it is plotted on a graph, a parabola would be formed. It would open upward since the value of a is greater than zero. Thus, the vertex of the graph would give us the minimum value of x. The formula for determining the minimum value is
x = - b/2a
x = - - 168/2 * 0.6 = 168/1.2
x = 140
To find the minimum unit cost, we would substitute the value of x = 140 into the cost function. it becomes
C(140) = 0.6(140)^2 - 168 * 140 + 24278
C(140) = 11760 - 23520 + 24278
C(140) = 12518
Thus, the minimum unit cost is $12518