← All parts of this equation

Equation 14 · Part 2 · AI Inference Economics in Practice: An Advanced Technical Guide

subscript

codc_{\mathrm{od}}
subscript

What this part means

The lower label selects a particular version, component, or indexed member of the quantity. For example, x₀ and xₜ can be values at different positions.

Its job in the formula

A subscript distinguishes a version, component, step, or member of a quantity. It does not automatically mean multiplication.

The passage around this formula

The arithmetic is simple once both prices are in hand, and generalizes across any reserved-capacity product structured this way. Let PrP_r be the reserved capacity’s price per hour, Qmax⁡Q_{\max} the maximum throughput it sustains per hour at full utilization, and codc_{\mathrm{od}} the effective on-demand cost of the equivalent work. At actual utilization u , the effective cost per unit under reservation is PrP_r / (u \, Qmax⁡Q_{\max}) , and reservation wins exactly when

Read this part in the article →

Learn the underlying idea

A subscript is a label attached below a symbol. It often selects a time step, component, category, or member of a sequence.

Open the illustrated subscripts: which member of a family? guide →

Sources cited in the article section

These citations provide research context; check each source for the exact claim it supports.