If the firm is producing at the breakeven point, it means that it is covering its total costs, including both fixed costs and variable costs. Since the total fixed cost is $800 and the firm has $400 in sunk costs, the total variable cost can be calculated by subtracting the sum of these costs from the total cost.
Total variable cost = Total cost - Total fixed cost - Sunk cost
Total variable cost = $800 - $800 - $400
Total variable cost = $0
Therefore, the total variable cost of this firm is equal to $0.