Final answer:
A firm will purchase a resource if the benefit associated with the purchase is greater than or equal to its cost.
Step-by-step explanation:
In business, a firm will purchase a resource if the benefit associated with the purchase is greater than or equal to its cost. The cost represents the amount of money or resources that the firm must give up in order to acquire the resource. If the benefit of the purchase is lower than the cost, it would not make financial sense for the firm to proceed with the purchase.