Q: A firm’s average product of labor is defined as:

The ratio of total output to the number of workers: $$\text{AP}_L = \frac{q}{L}.$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the main goal of owners of for-profit firms according to microeconomic theory?

Accepted Answer

To maximize profit, defined as the difference between revenue and cost: $$	ext{Profit} = R - C.$$

Question 2

A firm is said to achieve technical efficiency when:

Accepted Answer

It cannot produce its current level of output with fewer inputs, given existing technology.

Question 3

Suppose a firm’s short-run production function is $$q = 5L + 2K$$, where $$K is $$fixed at 100. What is the marginal product of labor?

Accepted Answer

$$5$$

Question 4

Which of the following statements about the law of diminishing marginal returns is correct?

Accepted Answer

It states that if only one input is increased, holding others constant, the marginal product of that input will eventually decrease.

Question 5

A firm’s average product of labor is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The ratio of total output to the number of workers: $$	ext{AP}_L = \frac{q}{L}.$$

Question 6

In the context of isoquants, what does the marginal rate of technical substitution (MRTS) represent?

Accepted Answer

The rate at which a firm can substitute one input for another while keeping output constant: $$	ext{MRTS} = -\frac{\Delta K}{\Delta L}.$$

Question 7

If a firm’s isoquants are straight lines, what does this imply about the inputs?

Accepted Answer

The inputs are perfect substitutes, and the MRTS is constant.

Question 8

Consider a Cobb-Douglas production function $$q = AL$$^{\alpha}$$K^{\beta}. If$$ $$\alpha + \beta = 1$, what type of returns to scale does the production function exhibit?

Accepted Answer

Constant returns to scale.

Question 9

A brewery doubles all its inputs and finds that its output also doubles. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Constant returns to scale.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of a neutral technical change?

Accepted Answer

A new machine allows a firm to produce more output using the same ratio of labor and capital.

Question 11

Suppose a firm’s production function is $$q = 2L + 3K. If $$the firm wants to keep output constant at $$q = 30$$, which of the following combinations of $$L$$ and $$K is $$efficient?

Accepted Answer

$$L = 12, K = 6$$

Question 12

Which of the following best describes the difference between the short run and the long run in production?

Accepted Answer

In the short run, at least one input is fixed; in the long run, all inputs are variable.

Question 13

A tobacco company increases all its inputs by 50% but finds that output increases by only 30%. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Decreasing returns to scale.

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT a property of isoquants?

Accepted Answer

Isoquants are always straight lines.

Question 15

A firm’s marginal product of labor is defined as:

Accepted Answer

The change in total output resulting from using an extra unit of labor, holding other inputs constant: $$	ext{MP}_L = \frac{\Delta q}{\Delta L}.$$

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of a non-neutral technical change?

Accepted Answer

A new technology that allows the same output with less labor but the same amount of capital.

Question 17

If a firm’s production function is $$q = L$$^{0.7}$$K^{0.4}$, what type of returns to scale does it exhibit?

Accepted Answer

Increasing returns to scale, since $$0.7 + 0.4 = 1.1 \u003e 1.$$

Question 18

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of productivity differences across firms?

Accepted Answer

Two firms use the same amount of inputs, but one produces more output due to better management.

Question 19

A fabricated metal company increases all its inputs by 20% and finds that output increases by 30%. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Increasing returns to scale.

Question 20

Which of the following is a characteristic of a corporation that distinguishes it from a sole proprietorship?

Accepted Answer

Corporations are owned by shareholders and have limited liability.

Firms and Production: Microeconomics Study Notes

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