Final answer:
Total variable cost is measured vertically from the X axis on a graph. It differs from average cost, which is calculated per unit, making it challenging to graph them together due to the difference in scale between total dollars and cost per unit.
Step-by-step explanation:
When viewed on a graph, total variable cost is measured vertically (upward) at each level of output from the X axis. Total variable cost, together with fixed costs, make up the total cost of production. Unlike average cost or marginal cost, total costs such as fixed costs and variable costs are measured in total dollars, not per unit, making it impractical to graph them alongside per-unit costs on the same graph, as the scales would differ significantly.
For instance, with a total cost of producing 40 haircuts being $320, if we consider the average cost, it is $320 divided by 40, which equals $8 per haircut. If total and average cost were plotted on the same graph, the average cost line would appear almost flat in comparison to the curve of total cost, because they're at entirely different scales.