In: Economics
Suppose that the marginal product of labor is: MP = 100 – L, where L is the number of workers hired. You can sell the product in the marketplace for $50 per unit and the wage rate for labor is $100. How many workers should you hire?
The output profit-maximizing condition for the use of labor is :
p * MP = w
where p = price of the output = $50
MP = Marginal product of labor = 100 - L
w = wage rate for labor = $100
So by the condition :
50 * (100 - L) = 100
100 - L = 100/50 = 2
100 - L = 2
L = 100 - 2 = 98
Answer : In order to profit maximize they should hire 98 workers.