The following accompanying table shows the relationship between the speed of a computer's CPU and its benefits and costs. Assume that all other features of the computer are the same (that is, CPU speed is the only source of variation), and only the CPU speeds listed below are available for purchase.
$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c}
\hline \text { CPU GHz } & \text { Total Benefit } & \text { Marginal Benefit } & \text { Total Cost } & \text { Marginal Costs } \
\hline 2.0 & \$ 1,000 & & \$ 900 & \
\hline 2.5 & \$ 1,400 & & & \$ 100 \
\hline 3.0 & & \$ 300 & \$ 1,200 \
\hline 3.5 & \$ 1,900 & & \$ 1,500 & \
\hline 4.0 & \$ 2,000 & & & \$ 400 \
\hline
\end{array}$
Choosing a 3.5GHz computer would be irrational because:

Question

The following accompanying table shows the relationship between the speed of a computer's CPU and its benefits and costs. Assume that all other features of the computer are the same (that is, CPU speed is the only source of variation), and only the CPU speeds listed below are available for purchase.   
$\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c}
\hline \text { CPU GHz } & \text { Total Benefit } & \text { Marginal Benefit } & \text { Total Cost } & \text { Marginal Costs } \
\hline 2.0 & \$ 1,000 & & \$ 900 & \
\hline 2.5 & \$ 1,400 & & & \$ 100 \
\hline 3.0 & & \$ 300 & \$ 1,200 \
\hline 3.5 & \$ 1,900 & & \$ 1,500 & \
\hline 4.0 & \$ 2,000 & & & \$ 400 \
\hline
\end{array}$  
Choosing a 3.5GHz computer would be irrational because:

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The marginal benefit of moving from a 3.0GHz to a 3.5GHz CPU is \$500 (\$1,900 - \$1,400), while the marginal cost is \$300 (\$1,500 - \$1,200). Therefore, the marginal benefit is greater than the marginal cost, making choice A incorrect based on the provided rationale. However, the correct interpretation of the question's intent (which seems to be identifying a rationale for why choosing a 3.5GHz computer could be considered irrational) is not directly supported by the data given, as the data actually shows the opposite (marginal benefit > marginal cost). This might indicate a misunderstanding in the explanation process.

The Following Accompanying Table Shows the Relationship Between the Speed of a Computer's