The revenue for a business, as a function of units produced, x, is shown below by R(x). C(x) represents the cost of producing x units. Calculate the profit function and then determine how many units must be produced for the business to break even.

R, left parenthesis, x, right parenthesis, equals, 16, x
R(x)=
16x
The revenue function.
C, left parenthesis, x, right parenthesis, equals, 3, x, plus, 767
C(x)=
3x+767
The cost function.

1 answer

To calculate the profit function \(P(x)\), we use the formula:

\[ P(x) = R(x) - C(x) \]

Given the functions:

  • Revenue function: \(R(x) = 16x\)
  • Cost function: \(C(x) = 3x + 767\)

Substituting these into the profit equation:

\[ P(x) = R(x) - C(x) = 16x - (3x + 767) \]

Simplifying:

\[ P(x) = 16x - 3x - 767 \] \[ P(x) = 13x - 767 \]

Now, to find the break-even point, we set the profit function equal to zero and solve for \(x\):

\[ P(x) = 0 \implies 13x - 767 = 0 \] \[ 13x = 767 \] \[ x = \frac{767}{13} \] \[ x = 59 \]

Thus, the business must produce 59 units to break even.