In: Economics
4. Consider the following production functions: (i) Q = 4K2L2 (ii) Q = 2K + 4L (iii) Q = min(4K, 5L)
a. Graph an isoquant for Q = 400 for each of the production functions above.
b. In few words, explain what does the MRTS tell us about a production function?
c. Find the MRTS for production functions (i) and (ii).
d. Find the MRTS for production function (iii)
b)
MRTS can be defined as amount of capital input that has to be given
up to use an additional unit of labor so that output remains
constant. MRTS is measured by the ratio of marginal product of
labor and marginal product of capital.
Q = 4K2 L2 ( In this case production function
is cobb douglus and iso-quant will be convex to orgin. This is due
to dimnishing MRTS. )
Q = 2K + 4L ( In this case labour and capital are perfect
substitutes which means inputs can be exchanged at a constant rate
then Iso-quant will be a straight line. This is because MRTS will
remain constant.
Q = min(4K, 5L) ( In this case labor and capital are perfect
complements then iso-quant will be L-shaped. Inputs will be called
perfect complement when both inputs must be used together in a
fixed proportion.MRTS will be 0 or infinity because marginal
product of each input will be zero.