If a firm's total revenue is less than its total variable cost, it should shut down.

Total Revenue

The cumulative amount of income generated from the sale of goods and services, calculated by multiplying the price per unit by the number of units sold.

Total Variable Cost

The sum of all costs that vary with output level, including costs such as labor and materials.

Shut Down

This term refers to a short-term decision made by a firm to cease operations when the market price falls below the minimum average variable cost.