(Table: Maia and Juanita's opportunity cost) The table provides data on how long it takes Maia and Juanita to mow the lawn and weed the flower beds.
Who has a comparative advantage in weeding the flower beds?

A)Maia because she can weed the beds more quickly.
B)Juanita because she takes the time to weed the beds carefully.
C)Maia because she has a lower opportunity cost.
D)Juanita because she has a lower opportunity cost.

Question

(Table: Maia and Juanita's opportunity cost) The table provides data on how long it takes Maia and Juanita to mow the lawn and weed the flower beds.
Who has a comparative advantage in weeding the flower beds?
 
A)Maia because she can weed the beds more quickly. 
B)Juanita because she takes the time to weed the beds carefully. 
C)Maia because she has a lower opportunity cost. 
D)Juanita because she has a lower opportunity cost.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maia has a comparative advantage in weeding the flower beds because she has a lower opportunity cost. Opportunity cost is the value of the next best alternative that must be given up in order to undertake a certain activity. Maia's opportunity cost of mowing the lawn is 2/3 of an hour, while her opportunity cost of weeding the flower beds is 1/3 of an hour. In contrast, Juanita's opportunity cost of mowing the lawn is ½ of an hour, while her opportunity cost of weeding the flower beds is 1 hour. Therefore, Maia has a lower opportunity cost of weeding the flower beds, so she has a comparative advantage in this activity.

(Table: Maia and Juanita's Opportunity Cost) the Table Provides Data