Consider the following production function: q = (KL)ª, where a > 0. Answer the following questions: (a) Under what conditions (i.e. values of a) will the production function exhibit decreasing returns to scale? Under what conditions will it exhibit constant returns to scale? Under what circumstances will it exhibit increasing returns to scale? (b) Confirm that the marginal physical product of capital is homogenous of degree zero in the case in which the production function exhibits constant returns to scale. (c) Derive an expression for the cost function of a firm using the production function to produce output of a good.
Consider the following production function: q = (KL)ª, where a > 0. Answer the following questions: (a) Under what conditions (i.e. values of a) will the production function exhibit decreasing returns to scale? Under what conditions will it exhibit constant returns to scale? Under what circumstances will it exhibit increasing returns to scale? (b) Confirm that the marginal physical product of capital is homogenous of degree zero in the case in which the production function exhibits constant returns to scale. (c) Derive an expression for the cost function of a firm using the production function to produce output of a good.
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
Related questions
Question

Transcribed Image Text:Consider the following production function:
q = (KL)“, where a > 0.
Answer the following questions:
(a) Under what conditions (i.e. values of a) will the production function exhibit
decreasing returns to scale? Under what conditions will it exhibit constant
returns to scale? Under what circumstances will it exhibit increasing returns to
scale?
(b) Confirm that the marginal physical product of capital is homogenous of degree
zero in the case in which the production function exhibits constant returns to
scale.
(c) Derive an expression for the cost function of a firm using the production
function to produce output of a good.
(d) Find the first and second partial derivatives of the cost function with respect to
q. Interpret the second partial derivative and relate the sign of the derivative to
the returns to scale.
Expert Solution

This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
Step by step
Solved in 6 steps

Knowledge Booster
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you


Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON

Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON


Principles of Economics (12th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134078779
Author:
Karl E. Case, Ray C. Fair, Sharon E. Oster
Publisher:
PEARSON

Engineering Economy (17th Edition)
Economics
ISBN:
9780134870069
Author:
William G. Sullivan, Elin M. Wicks, C. Patrick Koelling
Publisher:
PEARSON

Principles of Economics (MindTap Course List)
Economics
ISBN:
9781305585126
Author:
N. Gregory Mankiw
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Managerial Economics & Business Strategy (Mcgraw-…
Economics
ISBN:
9781259290619
Author:
Michael Baye, Jeff Prince
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education