Final answer:
The break-even point is the sales level at which a company covers variable costs. If the price falls into the zone between the break-even point and the shutdown point, the firm will be making losses in the short run but still covering its variable costs. To achieve maximum revenue or to maximize profit, a company needs to operate above the break-even point where the price exceeds average cost.
Step-by-step explanation:
The break-even point is the sales level at which a company covers variable costs.
When the price falls exactly on the break-even point where the marginal cost (MC) and average cost (AC) curves cross, the firm earns zero profits. If the price falls into the zone between the break-even point and the shutdown point, the firm will be making losses in the short run but still covering its variable costs.
To achieve maximum revenue or to maximize profit, a company needs to operate above the break-even point where the price exceeds average cost.