Final answer:
The variable cost of Marie's blue cheese salad dressing is the cost that varies according to the level of production or output. It includes the cost of ingredients, packaging, and direct labor.
Step-by-step explanation:
The variable cost of Marie's blue cheese salad dressing is the cost that varies according to the level of production or output. It includes the cost of ingredients, packaging, and direct labor. For example, if Marie produces 100 bottles of salad dressing and the variable cost per bottle is $2, then the total variable cost would be $200. The variable cost is important for determining the profitability of the product and making decisions like whether to continue operating or shut down.