Step 1: Understanding fixed cost.
Fixed costs are expenses that do not change with the level of production or sales.
They remain constant over a certain period, irrespective of output levels.
Examples include rent, insurance, salaries of permanent staff, and depreciation of buildings.
Step 2: Distinguishing between fixed and variable cost.
- Fixed cost: Remains constant — e.g., factory rent or depreciation.
- Variable cost: Changes with production — e.g., raw materials, wages, power consumption.
Step 3: Factory cost explanation.
The cost of factory facilities (such as rent, insurance, and maintenance) remains unchanged within a production range.
Hence, it is classified under fixed costs because it does not fluctuate with production volume.
Step 4: Analysis of options.
- (1) Cost of raw materials: Variable, changes with output.
- (2) Cost of labours: Partly variable depending on production.
- (3) Cost of power: Varies with machinery use.
- (4) Cost of factory: Correct — a fixed expense that remains stable regardless of production levels.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Hence, the cost of factory is included under fixed cost.