Answer:
The total implicit cost of production for Charles is:
$50 (interest on invested money) + $1,000 (depreciation of equipment) + $6,000 (opportunity cost of his time) = $7,050.
Step-by-step explanation:
Implicit costs are the opportunity costs associated with using resources for a particular venture instead of their next best alternative use. In this case, Charles has incurred several implicit costs:
Interest on the money invested in the mowing equipment: Charles could have earned 1 percent per year in the bank, so the implicit cost is 1 percent of $5,000.
Implicit cost = 0.01 * $5,000 = $50.
Depreciation of the mowing equipment: The equipment depreciates at a rate of 20 percent per year.
Implicit cost = 0.20 * $5,000 = $1,000.
Opportunity cost of his time: Charles earned $6,000 as a lifeguard at the neighborhood swimming pool, which he gave up to start the lawn-mowing business. This is also an implicit cost.