0

A cost per unit could be 20, but it could also be 20 + 2q (in the cast of the latter, the cost per unit is a function whose result increases with each unit produced).

What is the term to describe when a single number is used where we could also expect a function?

I have in mind 'scalar', but I'm not sure if that's the best term.

stevec
  • 671
  • 4
  • 14

2 Answers2

2

A cost function can be constant (in $q$), but this term is not particular to economics.

Giskard
  • 29,387
  • 11
  • 45
  • 76
  • In this case (cost functions), what do you think of the term 'unit cost' – stevec Jul 10 '20 at 15:48
  • I think that unit cost (or rather cost per unit) is something like average cost. Average cost may be constant and may also change, so again I would just say constant average (or constant marginal) cost. – Giskard Jul 10 '20 at 16:01
2

I guess the term you're looking for is Linear Cost function?

  • But both $C =20$ and $C=20+q$ are linear and the OP seems to want some terminology for the former not for both (although admittedly I am bit confused by the question). – 1muflon1 Jul 10 '20 at 16:35
  • 1
    But he said cost per unit. So the first one is linear, the second one is a quadratic cost. But yeah, its kinda confusing. –  Jul 10 '20 at 16:39
  • oh I did not catch that, my bad. – 1muflon1 Jul 10 '20 at 16:41