In: Economics
Agglomeration can cause both positive and negative externalities. Suppose that the increase in population raises the productivity of workers since they can share their knowledge or know-how. In contrast, a higher population causes higher rent since lands become scarce. The total benefit from better productivity is given by TB = 6,000N^(1/3) whereas the total cost of higher rent is given by TC = 300N^(4/3), where N denotes the population of this city in terms of millions. Find the optimal population to maximize net social benefit.
please explain as thoroughly as possible with step by step!!
TB = 6000N1/3
TC = 300N4/3
Net benefit: NB= TB - TC
=> NB = 6000N1/3 - 300N4/3
Differentiate NB with respect to N and and put it equal to zero.
=> (dNB / dN) = 6000*(1/3) N1/3-1 - 300 *(4/3)N4/3 -1 = 0
=> 2000N-2/3 - 400N1/3 = 0
=> (2000 / N2/3) = (400N1/3)
=> (2000 / 400) = (N2/3 * N1/3)
=> 5 = N
=> N = 5
Optimal population size is 5 million which will maximize net social benefit.