Congratulations! you have just been hired by refiners-r-us. as part of your initial training, you have been asked to analyze two crude oils that they are considering for refining operations. calculate the profit per barrel for each crude oil, crude x and crude y. the cost of crude x is $65 per barrel and the refining costs are $3.25 per barrel. the cost of crude y is $60 per barrel and the refining cost is $3.75 per barrel. which, if either, of the crude oils is profitable to refine at current prices?

The business cycle is the periodic but irregular up-and-down movement in economic activity, measured by fluctuations in real gross domestic product (gdp) and other macroeconomic variables. a business cycle is typically characterized by four phases—recession, recovery, growth, and decline—that repeat themselves over time. economists note, however, that complete business cycles vary in length. the duration of business cycles can be anywhere from about two to twelve years, with most cycles averaging six years in length. some business analysts use the business cycle model and terminology to study and explain fluctuations in business inventory and other individual elements of corporate operations. but the term "business cycle" is still primarily associated with larger (industry-wide, regional, national, or even international) business trends.