Which of the following is an example of a factor of production used by a firm?

• A. A government regulation
• B. A machine used in manufacturing
• C. A finished product sold to consumers
• D. A consumer's preference

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of factors of production: these are the inputs used by firms to produce goods and services. The main categories are land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.
2. Analyze each option to see if it fits into one of the factors of production categories. For example, a machine used in manufacturing is a physical input, which corresponds to capital.
3. Recognize that government regulation is not a factor of production because it is a rule or policy, not an input used directly in production.
4. Identify that a finished product sold to consumers is an output, not an input, so it is not a factor of production.
5. Understand that a consumer's preference influences demand but is not a resource or input used by firms to produce goods, so it is not a factor of production.