Costs And Break-even Analysis
Overview
Every business needs to know how much it costs to operate and how many units it must sell before it starts making a profit. Getting these numbers wrong can mean running out of cash long before a single customer walks through the door.
In this lesson you will learn the difference between fixed and variable costs, calculate total cost and average cost, and master break-even analysis - the tool that tells a business exactly when revenue catches up with costs. These skills appear regularly on both Edexcel papers, often as structured calculation questions worth several marks.
Objectives
- Understand the concept and calculate revenue, fixed and variable costs, total costs, profit and loss
- Understand the concept of break-even and calculate break-even level of output from formula or diagram
- Interpret break-even charts: the impact of changes in revenue and costs, limitations of break-even charts
Mind map
This topic is mapped out so you can see how the ideas connect.
Open the mind map in the app
Flashcards
Quick recall practice on the facts this topic is tested on.
Practise these cards in the app
Lesson Note
Complete Note Available on the Green Bridge App
Get the Green Bridge CBT app on your phone or computer for the complete IGCSE library: past papers, mark schemes, mind maps, flashcards and audio lessons.
Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Costs And Break-even Analysis. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of the following is a fixed cost? A) Raw materials B) Packaging C) Rent D) Piece-rate wages Answer: C
- A business has fixed costs of GBP 10 000 and sells its product for GBP 20 with a variable cost of GBP 12. What is the break-even output? A) 500 units B) 833 units C) 1 000 units D) 1 250 units Answer: D
- Contribution per unit is calculated as: A) Total revenue minus total cost B) Selling price minus variable cost per unit C) Fixed costs divided by output D) Total cost divided by output Answer: B
- If a business currently sells 2 000 units and the break-even output is 1 400, what is the margin of safety? A) 1 400 units B) 3 400 units C) 600 units D) 2 000 units Answer: C
- Which of the following is a limitation of break-even analysis? A) It is difficult to calculate B) It assumes all output is sold C) It cannot be shown on a chart D) It ignores fixed costs Answer: B
Work through these questions in the app
Work through these questions in the app
Recommended Books
Practice Mock Questions
Want to practice mock questions on Costs And Break-even Analysis? Download the Green Bridge CBT app to access mock questions and full practice assessments for this topic.
Download The App On Google Playstore
Everything you need to excel in your exams
