its minimum at a lower level of output than the average total cost curve Average total cost is equal to average fixed cost plus average variable cost: ATC AVC AFC. When graphed, the difference between the U-shaped average total cost and U-shaped average variable cost curves is the average fixed cost, and AFC is downward sloping at all output levels. When AVC is falling, ATC will also fall because both AVC and AFC are declining as output increases. When AVC reaches its minimum (the bottom of its U, ATC will continue to fall because AFC is falling. Even as AVC gradually begins to rise, ATC will still fall because of AFC’s decline. Eventually, however, as AVC rises more rapidly, the increases in AVC will outstrip the declines in AFC, and ATC will reach its minimum and then begin to rise.
