To determine the marginal cost of producing the third unit of output, we need to follow a series of steps involving the given data. Let’s break it down step by step:
1. Identify the Total Fixed Cost:
We are given that the total fixed cost is [tex]$150. This cost does not change with the level of output.
2. Calculate the Total Cost of Producing the Second Unit:
For producing the second unit, the total variable cost is $[/tex]96. Thus,
[tex]\[
\text{Total Cost for 2 units} = \text{Total Fixed Cost} + \text{Total Variable Cost for 2 units}
\][/tex]
[tex]\[
= 150 + 96 = 246 \text{ dollars}
\][/tex]
3. Calculate the Total Cost of Producing the Third Unit:
For producing the third unit, the total variable cost is [tex]$140. Therefore,
\[
\text{Total Cost for 3 units} = \text{Total Fixed Cost} + \text{Total Variable Cost for 3 units}
\]
\[
= 150 + 140 = 290 \text{ dollars}
\]
4. Determine the Marginal Cost of Producing the Third Unit:
The marginal cost is the additional cost incurred to produce one more unit. Hence, the marginal cost of producing the third unit can be calculated by subtracting the total cost of producing 2 units from the total cost of producing 3 units:
\[
\text{Marginal Cost for the 3rd unit} = \text{Total Cost for 3 units} - \text{Total Cost for 2 units}
\]
\[
= 290 - 246 = 44 \text{ dollars}
\]
Therefore, the marginal cost of producing the third unit is \( \$[/tex]44 \). The correct answer is [tex]\( \$44 \)[/tex].
