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Business Finance and Accounts

Break-even charts and the margin of safety

  • 3 things to know
  • AS Unit 2

Overview

What is measured on each axis of a break-even chart, fixed cost line on a break-even chart and total cost line on a break-even chart.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Describe what is measured on each axis of a break-even chart.

Numbers

State the formula for the margin of safety.

Key term

A firm produces 8,000 units with a margin of safety of 3,000 units. Express that margin of safety as a percentage of output.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Describe what is measured on each axis of a break-even chart.

    Model answer

    Output or units sold is measured on the horizontal axis and costs and revenue in pounds on the vertical axis.

  2. 2

    Describe the fixed cost line on a break-even chart.

    Model answer

    It is a horizontal straight line at the level of the fixed costs, because those costs do not change as output changes.

  3. 3

    Describe the total cost line on a break-even chart.

    Model answer

    It begins on the vertical axis at the level of fixed costs and slopes upwards, with a gradient equal to the variable cost per unit.

  4. 4

    Describe the total revenue line on a break-even chart.

    Model answer

    It begins at the origin and slopes upwards, with a gradient equal to the selling price per unit.

  5. 5

    Where on a break-even chart is the break-even point found?

    Model answer

    It is the point where the total revenue line crosses the total cost line.

  6. 6

    What does the vertical gap between the revenue line and the total cost line show to the right of break-even?

    Model answer

    It shows the profit made at that level of output.

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