Foundations of Economics (8th Edition)
Foundations of Economics (8th Edition)
8th Edition
ISBN: 9780134486819
Author: Robin Bade, Michael Parkin
Publisher: PEARSON
Question
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Chapter 19, Problem 1SPPA
To determine

To compute:

The marginal product of the 6th farm worker and the marginal product of the 8th worker, if the price rises to $3 a bunch.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Explanation of Solution

In the labour market, an equilibrium occurs when wage rate equals value of marginal product. If the farm employs six workers, and the wage rate is $12 per hour, then the value of the marginal product of the sixth farm worker must be $12 per hour. If asparagus costs $2, then the marginal product of labour (which is the value of marginal product divided by the price) is 6 units.

If the price of asparagus rises, the farm hires two more workers, it still must be that the value of marginal product of the eighth farm worker is equal to the wage rate. So, the value of the marginal product of the eighth farm worker is $12 per hour. If asparagus costs $3, then the marginal product of labour (which is the value of marginal product divided by the price) is 4 units.

Economics Concept Introduction

Marginal product:

Marginal product is addition to total product when one more unit of labour is employed. Generally, the marginal product is positive.

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Suppose Fred produces 500 litres of milk every day with 10 workers. The price of milk is $12 per litre, and each worker is paid $550 daily. If the marginal product of the last worker employed is 40 litres of milk, explain whether Fred is maximizing his profit. If not, can Fred increase his profit by employing more or fewer workers? If Fred buys more dairy cattles, how will it affect his demand for labor? Explain with a diagram.
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