Final answer:
The result of every decision is an opportunity cost, representing the value of the next best alternative given up. Opportunity costs vary individually and decisions can lead to future benefits and unintended losses of other opportunities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The result of every decision is an opportunity cost. This concept is a fundamental principle of economics and it refers to the value of the next best alternative that is given up when making a choice. For example, if you decide to purchase a burger, you give up the opportunity to use that money for other things, like bus tickets, which would be your opportunity cost if they were your next best alternative. Opportunity costs vary from person to person as everyone values alternatives differently based on their needs and wants. Therefore, when you make a choice today, such as attending an economics class, the future results include the benefits and knowledge gained from that class. However, the unintended consequences might involve the loss of opportunities to do other valuable activities during that time.