In the context of supply and demand, in what two ways can a supply curve be interpreted?

• A. As showing the marginal cost for each unit produced, and as showing the demand for inputs.
• B. As showing the total revenue at each price, and as showing the profit-maximizing output.
• C. As showing the minimum price producers are willing to accept for each quantity, and as showing the quantity producers are willing to supply at each price.
• D. As showing the maximum price consumers are willing to pay for each quantity, and as showing the equilibrium price in the market.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the supply curve in microeconomics represents the relationship between the price of a good and the quantity that producers are willing to supply.
2. Recognize that one interpretation of the supply curve is that it shows the minimum price producers are willing to accept to supply each quantity. This reflects the idea that producers will only supply more if the price covers their marginal cost of production.
3. Understand the second interpretation: the supply curve shows the quantity producers are willing to supply at each given price. This means for any price level, you can find the corresponding quantity supplied on the curve.
4. Note that these two interpretations are connected because the minimum price producers accept corresponds to their marginal cost, and the quantity supplied depends on the price offered in the market.
5. Avoid confusing the supply curve with demand concepts (like maximum price consumers will pay) or revenue/profit measures, as these relate to different curves or economic concepts.