Refer to Table 13-15. What is the shape of this firm's total-cost curve?

This firm's total-cost curve would be increasing at a decreasing rate from 0 to 250 units of output, then increasing at an increasing rate. Total cost is graphed on the vertical axis, while output (not labor) is graphed on the horizontal axis. From 0 through 250 units of output, the marginal product is rising, so the marginal cost is falling. From 250 units of output on (through 430 units), marginal product is falling so the marginal cost is rising. Marginal cost is the slope of the total cost function, so total cost first increases at a decreasing rate, then increases at an increasing rate.