To determine the total variable cost of producing 3 units of output based on the given cost data, follow these steps:
1. Identify the fixed cost:
- The fixed cost is the total cost when the output is zero units.
- According to the data, the total cost when output is 0 units is \[tex]$24.
- Thus, the fixed cost is \$[/tex]24.
2. Determine the total cost for producing 3 units of output:
- From the given data, the total cost for producing 3 units of output is \[tex]$48.
3. Calculate the variable cost:
- The variable cost is the total cost of producing a certain number of units minus the fixed cost.
- Using the data, the variable cost of producing 3 units of output is calculated as follows:
\[
\text{Variable Cost} = \text{Total Cost for 3 units} - \text{Fixed Cost}
\]
\[
\text{Variable Cost} = \$[/tex]48 - \[tex]$24
\]
\[
\text{Variable Cost} = \$[/tex]24
\]
Therefore, the total variable cost of producing 3 units of output is \[tex]$24.
So, the correct answer is:
\[
\$[/tex]24
\]