The least-cost input combination is and for a total cost of On the preceding graph, use the green line (triangle symbol) to show the line of equal total cost (TC) indicating the possible combinations of computers and programmers that minimizes total costs. Hint: For example, if you've found that the least expensive option for completing the database costs $1,000, then you should plot the combinations of computers and programmers that cost $1,000. To minimize costs, you know that the rate of technical substitution of labor for capital must be equal to at this point, given the stated wage and rental rate of capital.
The least-cost input combination is and for a total cost of On the preceding graph, use the green line (triangle symbol) to show the line of equal total cost (TC) indicating the possible combinations of computers and programmers that minimizes total costs. Hint: For example, if you've found that the least expensive option for completing the database costs $1,000, then you should plot the combinations of computers and programmers that cost $1,000. To minimize costs, you know that the rate of technical substitution of labor for capital must be equal to at this point, given the stated wage and rental rate of capital.
Chapter1: Making Economics Decisions
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1QTC
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Transcribed Image Text:Title: Cost Minimization in Production
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**Understanding the Isoquant Curve**
The graph depicts the relationship between the number of computers (CAPITAL) and the number of programmers (LABOR) required to maintain the same level of output. The isoquant curve (purple line with diamond symbols) outlines the combinations of these two inputs that result in the same production level.
**Graph Explanation**
The graph is labeled as follows:
- **Y-axis (VERTICAL):** Number of Computers (CAPITAL)
- **X-axis (HORIZONTAL):** Number of Programmers (LABOR)
- The curve is downward sloping, indicating that as the number of programmers increases, the number of computers needed to produce the same output decreases.
**Data Points:**
- There are specific points marked by purple diamonds on the isoquant curve. These points represent different combinations of LABOR and CAPITAL that provide the same output level.
**Cost Calculation and Optimization**
Each computer has a rental rate of $200 per week (\( r = \$200 \)), and each programmer costs $150 per week (\( w = \$150 \)).
1. Calculate the cost of each of the purple points (diamond symbols) on the isoquant curve.
2. Find the least-cost input combination.
3. Determine the total cost.
**Questions to Consider:**
- The least-cost input combination involves _____ (labor) and _____ (capital), resulting in a total cost of _______.
**Graph Modification:**
- Use the green line (triangle symbols) to plot the line of equal total cost (TC), which indicates various combinations of computers and programmers that minimize total costs.
**Hint:**
For instance, if the least expensive option for completing the database costs $1,000, you should plot the combinations of computers and programmers that sum to $1,000.
To minimize costs efficiently, the rate of technical substitution of labor for capital must equal to _____ at the given wage and rental rate of capital.
---
This guide aims to help you understand and apply cost minimization principles using the provided isoquant curve and cost data.

Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Cost Optimization for Database Production**
Suppose you are a department manager in a large software firm, and you have an assignment to produce a customized database for a client in the next week. Your boss asks you to find the least costly way to produce the database. To produce the database, you’ll need to use computers and programmers. The blue isoquant curve on the following graph shows the combinations of computers and programmers that you can use to create the database in a week.
### Graph Explanation
#### Isoquant Curve Description:
The graph presented is a representation of an isoquant curve for the production of a database using two inputs: computers and programmers.
**Axes:**
- **Y-axis (Vertical Axis):** Represents "CAPITAL" measured by the number of computers.
- **X-axis (Horizontal Axis):** Represents "LABOR" measured by the number of programmers.
**Curve:**
The purple line with diamond markers on the graph is the isoquant curve. This curve illustrates all possible combinations of computers and programmers that can successfully produce the database within a week. As you move along the curve, you can see the trade-off between the number of computers and programmers required.
**Key Points on the Curve:**
- When there are 10 computers, no programmers are needed.
- When the number of computers decreases, the number of programmers required increases.
- Conversely, with fewer computers, more programmers are necessary to maintain the same level of database production.
**Graphical Representation:**
- **Top-left Corner:** The point where there are 10 computers and 0 programmers.
- **Bottom-right Corner:** The point where there are 0 computers and 10 programmers.
- **Intermediate Points:** Various combinations where the product remains constant, such as:
- 8 computers and 2 programmers,
- 5 computers and 4 programmers,
- 2 computers and 6 programmers.
**Conclusion:**
By analyzing the isoquant curve, the goal is to determine the most cost-effective combination of computers and programmers to produce the required database.
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