In: Economics
Suppose a firm the following production function: f(x1,x2)=x_1^(1/2) x_2^(1/2)
This firm purchases inputs and sells output in competitive markets. The price of output is $10 per unit and the prices of the inputs x1 and x2 are $10 and $2 respectively. In the short run x2 is fixed and equal to 16. The marginal product for input 1 is: MP1=4/(x_1^(1/2) )
a) What is the profit maximizing level of input 1 for this firm
to hire?
b) What is the profit maximizing level of output and the associated
level of profits?
c) Derive a function describing isoprofit lines for this firm.
Calculate and describe the slope of an isoprofit line for this
firm.
d) Suppose the price of input 1 increases to $20. Use your
isoprofit function to find the optimal amount of input 1 for this
firm to hire.