Firms and production - Marginal rate of technical substitution

6 important questions on Firms and production - Marginal rate of technical substitution

What does the slope of the isoquant indicate in economic theory?

  • Represents the ability to replace inputs.
  • Shows how a firm can substitute one input for another.
  • Uses assumption of ceteris paribus (all else equal).

What does the Marginal Rate of Technical Substitution (MRTS) represent in economic theory?

  • MRTS represents the rate at which one input can be reduced per additional unit of another input, maintaining constant output.
  • It is the negative ratio of marginal products: \(-\frac{MPL}{MPK}\).
  • \(dK/dL\) shows the input substitution rate while staying on the same isoquant.

Define Marginal Rate of Technical Substitution (MRTS).

  • MRTS measures input substitution flexibility.
  • It's the slope of an isoquant at a specific point.
  • Formula: \(\text{MRTS} = \dfrac{-\Delta K}{\Delta L} = \dfrac{-dK}{dL}\).
  • Indicates substitution of capital (K) for extra units of labor (L).
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

How is the MRTS calculated for an isoquant?

  • Substitute \(K(L)\) into the isoquant equation.
  • Yields: \(\bar{q} = f(L, K(L))\).
  • Differentiate the isoquant with respect to labor (L).

Explain the concept of diminishing MRTS in economic theory.

  • Diminishing MRTS: As labor \( L \) increases, replacing capital \( K \) with labor becomes harder.
  • Observation: As \( L \) increases, MRTS magnitude decreases.
  • Conceptual Outcome: Optimizing resource allocation between inputs.

What is the economic intuition behind the diminishing MRTS?

  • Intuition:
  • - Greater \( L \) makes substituting \( K \) with \( L \) less effective.
  • - Efficiency alters as input proportions change.
  • Practical Implication: Balancing inputs optimizes production efficiency.

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo