Question

why was carnegie steel able to offer its product more cheaply than its competitors?
carnegie invented the bessemer process, which let him produce steel less expensively.
carnegie cut his costs by owning sources of raw materials and the means of production and distribution.
carnegie cut corners in his production, lowering his costs.

Explanation:

1. Analyze the first option: The Bessemer process was invented by Henry Bessemer, not Carnegie. So this option is incorrect.
2. Analyze the second option: Carnegie used vertical integration, which involved owning sources of raw materials (like iron ore) and the means of production (steel mills) and distribution (railroads to transport steel). This allowed him to control costs at each stage, reducing overall production costs and enabling him to offer steel more cheaply.
3. Analyze the third option: "Cutting corners" implies unethical or low - quality practices, and Carnegie was known for efficient production and vertical integration, not cutting corners. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

The correct option is: Carnegie cut his costs by owning sources of raw materials and the means of production and distribution.