<p>A cost function can be <strong>constant</strong> (in <span class="math-container">$q$</span>), but this term is not particular to economics.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-07-10T15:48:44.357Z
In this case (cost functions), what do you think of the term 'unit cost'
stevec
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-07-10T16:01:01.240Z
I think that unit cost (or rather cost per unit) is something like average cost. Average cost may be constant and may also change, so again I would just say constant average (or constant marginal) cost.
Giskard
CC BY-SA 4.0
2020-07-10T15:28:48.523Z
2020-07-10T15:28:48.523Z
Giskard
<p>A cost per unit could be <code>20</code>, but it could also be <code>20 + 2q</code> (in the cast of the latter, the cost per unit is a function whose result increases with each unit produced).</p>
<p>What is the term to describe when a single number is used where we could also expect a function?</p>
<p>I have in mind 'scalar', but I'm not sure if that's the best term.</p>

<economic-terms>
Term for when using a single number is used instead of a function?
stevec
# Term for when using a single number is used instead of a function?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2020-07-10)

A cost per unit could be `20`, but it could also be `20 + 2q` (in the cast of the latter, the cost per unit is a function whose result increases with each unit produced).

What is the term to describe when a single number is used where we could also expect a function?

I have in mind 'scalar', but I'm not sure if that's the best term.

**Tags:** economic-terms

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## 1 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2020-07-10. Score: 2 | Accepted answer

A cost function can be **constant** (in $q$), but this term is not particular to economics.

> **Comments:**
> **username_0**: In this case (cost functions), what do you think of the term 'unit cost'  
> **username_1**: I think that unit cost (or rather cost per unit) is something like average cost. Average cost may be constant and may also change, so again I would just say constant average (or constant marginal) cost.  

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