Question 2: The production function is given by Y-min(2L,K). Assume that the firm has a fixed stock of capital of 20 units. The price of labor is $w per worker and the price of output is $p per unit. b. Graph the production function C. Find the labor demand. Show the two possible cases. d. Assume the firm hires a positive amount of labor. How does L* change if wages drop? Show graphically.
Question 2: The production function is given by Y-min(2L,K). Assume that the firm has a fixed stock of capital of 20 units. The price of labor is $w per worker and the price of output is $p per unit. b. Graph the production function C. Find the labor demand. Show the two possible cases. d. Assume the firm hires a positive amount of labor. How does L* change if wages drop? Show graphically.
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
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Transcribed Image Text:**Question 2:** The production function is given by \( Y = \min(2L, K) \). Assume that the firm has a fixed stock of capital of 20 units. The price of labor is \( \$w \) per worker and the price of output is \( \$p \) per unit.
**b. Graph the production function**
- The production function described is a Leontief or fixed proportion type, where output \( Y \) is determined by the lesser of two values: \( 2L \) (twice the labor employed) or \( K \) (capital). With \( K \) fixed at 20, the graph would show a line where \( Y = 2L \) up to the point where \( 2L = 20 \).
**c. Find the labor demand. Show the two possible cases.**
- **Case 1:** If \( 2L < K \), the output is limited by labor. Therefore, \( Y = 2L \).
- **Case 2:** If \( 2L \geq K \), the output is limited by capital. Therefore, \( Y = K \). Since \( K \) is fixed at 20, the labor demand would ensure \( 2L = 20 \), leading to \( L = 10 \).
**d. Assume the firm hires a positive amount of labor. How does \( L^* \) change if wages drop? Show graphically.**
- When wages drop, the firm can afford to hire more labor for the same cost, which leads to an increase in the optimal labor demand \( L^* \) if it was not already constrained by capital. Graphically, this would show a rightward shift in the quantity of labor hired along the labor demand curve, up to the point where \( 2L \) approaches \( K \).
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