Question

In: Economics

6. What is an isoquant? Why does it slope downward? Why does it have a convex...

6. What is an isoquant? Why does it slope downward? Why does it have a convex curvature? Thoroughly explain your answer.

Solutions

Expert Solution

“The Iso-product curves show the different combinations of two resources with which a firm can produce equal amount of product.” Isoquant is a curve showing different combinations of inputs to produce a constant level of output. It is downward sloping generally, as it depicts how in order to increase the use of one input, another input has to be sacrificed. The slope is called the marginal rate of technical substitution. It is convex implies that one has diminishing MRTS as one moves along the isoquant curve substituting one input for the other and the opportunity cost declines as the rate of substitution increases.Like indifference curves, isoquants are convex to the origin. In order to understand this fact, we have to understand the concept of diminishing marginal rate of technical substitution (MRTS), because convexity of an isoquant implies that the MRTS diminishes along the isoquant. The marginal rate of technical substitution between L and K is defined as the quantity of K which can be given up in exchange for an additional unit of L. It can also be defined as the slope of an isoquant.

MRTSLK = – ∆K/∆L = dK/ dL

Where ∆K is the change in capital and AL is the change in labour


Related Solutions

LRAS stands for: 1)Why does this curve have no slope? What is the message of this...
LRAS stands for: 1)Why does this curve have no slope? What is the message of this curve being straight vertical? a)Any equilibrium beyond (to the right of) LRAS does what to the unemployment rate? Why? b)Any equilibrium beyond (to the right of) LRAS does what to the inflation rate? Why? 2)Scientists discuss new sources of clean energy. A big discovery in this field would shift LRAS in which direction? 3)Scientist also discuss bird and swine influenza outbreaks. Such an outbreak...
4. Yield curve (a) will have a downward slope if the inflation rate is expected to...
4. Yield curve (a) will have a downward slope if the inflation rate is expected to increase (b) have been upward sloping during periods of high interest rates. (c) are generally upward sloping. (d) are plotted as real rather than nominal rates. (e) have averaged a flat slope over time. 6. With the liquidity preference theory, a declining yield curve (a) cannot be explained. (b) follows the same forecasted spot rates as unbiased expectation. (c) assumes no change in future...
Define "demand" and the Law of Demand. Why does the demand curve have a negative slope?...
Define "demand" and the Law of Demand. Why does the demand curve have a negative slope? Discuss these reasons with respect to why a demand curve for olives has a negative slope. 2.         Define, derive and illustrate graphically a market demand curve for olives with only three countries (Spain, Italy and Greece) demanding olives from the market. 3.         Discuss and illustrate graphically the difference between a change in quantity demanded and a change in demand.
What are the components Aggregate Demand? Which component is most important? Why? Why does it slope...
What are the components Aggregate Demand? Which component is most important? Why? Why does it slope down? What are the causes of inflation? Use the aggregate demand and aggregate supply graph to illustrate the two main causes of inflation. Which do you think is more severe? I really need help on these questions about Economics.
1. Does the Aggregate Demand (AD) curve always slope downward? Discuss and use explanations (interest rate...
1. Does the Aggregate Demand (AD) curve always slope downward? Discuss and use explanations (interest rate effect, wealth effects, open economy effect to illustrate your answer) 2. The Aggregate Supply (AS) curve slopes upward to reflect the profit motive of businesses. So, why are there two versions of the AS curve( i.e. short run and long- run). Discuss.
For the following functions are they concave or convex and what does that depend on? If...
For the following functions are they concave or convex and what does that depend on? If the answer is possibly both, over what ranges are the functions convex or concave? (a) Y = AKαL 1−α with respect to K? with respect to L? (b) Y = (αKρ + βLρ ) 1/ρ with respect to K? with respect to L? (c) T C = 3Q3 + 2Q2 − Q + 10
3. What relationship does the LM curve plot? Why does the LM curve slope upwards?
3. What relationship does the LM curve plot? Why does the LM curve slope upwards?
1) The (real) wealth effect is reflected in: a) the downward slope in aggregate demand b)...
1) The (real) wealth effect is reflected in: a) the downward slope in aggregate demand b) increases in interest rates to savers. c) the upward slope in aggregate demand. d) the upward slope in aggregate supply Suppose that the economy is in long-run macroeconomic equilibrium and aggregate demand increases. As the economy moves to short-run macroeconomic equilibrium, there is a(n) _____ gap with _____. inflationary; high unemployment inflationary; low unemployment recessionary; low inflation recessionary; high inflation The short-run aggregate supply...
1. Why does the short run aggregate supply (SRAS) curve slope upward to the right? What...
1. Why does the short run aggregate supply (SRAS) curve slope upward to the right? What does the upward slope indicate? 2. If the prices of both (a) resources and (b) goods and services increase proportionally will business firms have a greater incentive to expand output? Why or why not? 3. If the price level in the current period is higher than what buyers and sellers anticipated, what will tend to happen to real wages and the level of employment?...
I What does it mean that preferences are reflexive, complete andtransitive?ii What characterises convex...
I What does it mean that preferences are reflexive, complete and transitive?ii What characterises convex preferences?iii Explain what the assumption of monotonicity of preferences imply.vi If the five properties above (reflexive, complete transitive, convexity and monotonicity) are satisfied, preferences are said to be “well-behaved”. Explain, which of these properties that make sure that:i.indifference curves cannot slope upwards, ii.indifference curves (for an individual) cannot cross each other, iii.indifference curves are bowed into the origin.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT