Final answer:
To find the average variable cost of producing 45 units, you must divide the total variable cost by 45, which requires the total variable cost to be provided. The average variable cost is part of total costs and usually lies below the average total cost curve, and it approaches average cost if fixed costs are ignored.
Step-by-step explanation:
The average variable cost of producing 45 units of output can be determined by dividing the total variable cost by the quantity of output. However, specific information such as the total variable cost for those 45 units is required to perform the calculation. Without this data, the average variable cost cannot be calculated. Generally, to find average variable cost, take the example where the variable cost of producing 80 haircuts is $400, making the average variable cost $400/80, or $5 per haircut.
It's important to note that the average variable cost curve typically lies below the average total cost curve because average total cost includes both average variable cost and average fixed cost. As production increases, fixed costs become diluted over more units, causing the average variable cost to approach the average cost if fixed costs are ignored.