Consider a numerical example for the firm's profit maximization problem. Suppose that the firm's production function is y = lnK + lnN. The firm's initial capital is K = 3. The current period wage rate is w = 0.1, and the future period wage rate is w' = 0.1. The depreciation rate is d = 0.2, and the market real interest rate is r = 0.05. The firm can sell leftover undepreciated capital in the future period at a price 1 (as in class). (a) Write down the firm's optimization problem. Take the first order conditions with respect to the first period labor N, the future period labor N' and the future period capital K' and obtain values for firm's optimal choices of N, N', K’, and investment I. Compute profit today and tomorrow, n and t', and the value of the firm, V. (b) Now suppose that the real interest rate decreases from r = 0.05 to rnew = 0.01. Compute the new optimal levels of investment Inew and capital Khow and use these values to compute the new value of the firm Vnew. Compare these values to the values obtained in part (a) and discuss any differences.

Managerial Economics: Applications, Strategies and Tactics (MindTap Course List)
14th Edition
ISBN:9781305506381
Author:James R. McGuigan, R. Charles Moyer, Frederick H.deB. Harris
Publisher:James R. McGuigan, R. Charles Moyer, Frederick H.deB. Harris
Chapter8: Cost Analysis
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 2E
icon
Related questions
Question
1. Consider a numerical example for the firm's profit maximization problem. Suppose that the firm's
production function is y = Ink + InN. The firm's initial capital is K = 3. The current period wage
rate is w = 0.1, and the future period wage rate is w' = 0.1. The depreciation rate is d = 0.2, and the
market real interest rate is r = 0.05. The firm can sell leftover undepreciated capital in the future
period at a price 1 (as in class).
(a) Write down the firm's optimization problem. Take the first order conditions with respect to
the first period labor N, the future period labor N' and the future period capital K' and obtain
values for firm's optimal choices of N, N', K', and investment I. Compute profit today and
tomorrow, n and nt', and the value of the firm, V.
(b) Now suppose that the real interest rate decreases from r = 0.05 to rnew = 0.01. Compute the
new optimal levels of investment Inew and capital Khew and use these values to compute the
new value of the firm Vhew. Compare these values to the values obtained in part (a) and
discuss any differences.
Transcribed Image Text:1. Consider a numerical example for the firm's profit maximization problem. Suppose that the firm's production function is y = Ink + InN. The firm's initial capital is K = 3. The current period wage rate is w = 0.1, and the future period wage rate is w' = 0.1. The depreciation rate is d = 0.2, and the market real interest rate is r = 0.05. The firm can sell leftover undepreciated capital in the future period at a price 1 (as in class). (a) Write down the firm's optimization problem. Take the first order conditions with respect to the first period labor N, the future period labor N' and the future period capital K' and obtain values for firm's optimal choices of N, N', K', and investment I. Compute profit today and tomorrow, n and nt', and the value of the firm, V. (b) Now suppose that the real interest rate decreases from r = 0.05 to rnew = 0.01. Compute the new optimal levels of investment Inew and capital Khew and use these values to compute the new value of the firm Vhew. Compare these values to the values obtained in part (a) and discuss any differences.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 5 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Profit Function
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, economics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
  • SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Managerial Economics: Applications, Strategies an…
Managerial Economics: Applications, Strategies an…
Economics
ISBN:
9781305506381
Author:
James R. McGuigan, R. Charles Moyer, Frederick H.deB. Harris
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Microeconomic Theory
Microeconomic Theory
Economics
ISBN:
9781337517942
Author:
NICHOLSON
Publisher:
Cengage
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Managerial Economics: A Problem Solving Approach
Economics
ISBN:
9781337106665
Author:
Luke M. Froeb, Brian T. McCann, Michael R. Ward, Mike Shor
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Macroeconomics: Private and Public Choice (MindTa…
Macroeconomics: Private and Public Choice (MindTa…
Economics
ISBN:
9781305506756
Author:
James D. Gwartney, Richard L. Stroup, Russell S. Sobel, David A. Macpherson
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Microeconomics: Private and Public Choice (MindTa…
Microeconomics: Private and Public Choice (MindTa…
Economics
ISBN:
9781305506893
Author:
James D. Gwartney, Richard L. Stroup, Russell S. Sobel, David A. Macpherson
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Economics: Private and Public Choice (MindTap Cou…
Economics: Private and Public Choice (MindTap Cou…
Economics
ISBN:
9781305506725
Author:
James D. Gwartney, Richard L. Stroup, Russell S. Sobel, David A. Macpherson
Publisher:
Cengage Learning