Let's explore the relationship between Marginal Product and Marginal Cost. Specifically, we have learned about Diminishing Marginal Product in the short run, when quantities of at least some inputs such as the facility and its capital are fixed. We also want to explore the connection between the downturn in Marginal Product and the eventual upturn in Marginal Cost, which is the additional cost from producing one additional unit of output.  Look at the following table below linking quantity of output to quantity of labor units. From this table you can calculate Marginal Product, which is the change in total product as one more unit of labor is added in the short run when quantities of other inputs are assumed fixed. If we know how much each unit of labor costs, we can map output and marginal product into Variable Costs and Marginal Cost. For our purposes assume that labor is the only variable input in the short run and that each unit of labor costs $3. Using this information and the table below, calculate Marginal Product and Marginal Cost and discuss how the peak and then decline in Marginal Product is related to the minimum and subsequent increase in Marginal Cost. Hint: Marginal Cost is the additional cost of producing one additional unit of output.  Table linking output to inputs Units of Labor Input Quantity of Output Marginal Product Marginal Cost  0 0     1 3     2 7     3 12     4 16     5 19     6 21     7 22     Share your methods and calculations for Marginal Product and Marginal Cost and be specific in discussing the link between the two.

ECON MICRO
5th Edition
ISBN:9781337000536
Author:William A. McEachern
Publisher:William A. McEachern
Chapter7: Production And Cost In The Firm
Section: Chapter Questions
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Let's explore the relationship between Marginal Product and Marginal Cost. Specifically, we have learned about Diminishing Marginal Product in the short run, when quantities of at least some inputs such as the facility and its capital are fixed. We also want to explore the connection between the downturn in Marginal Product and the eventual upturn in Marginal Cost, which is the additional cost from producing one additional unit of output. 

Look at the following table below linking quantity of output to quantity of labor units. From this table you can calculate Marginal Product, which is the change in total product as one more unit of labor is added in the short run when quantities of other inputs are assumed fixed. If we know how much each unit of labor costs, we can map output and marginal product into Variable Costs and Marginal Cost. For our purposes assume that labor is the only variable input in the short run and that each unit of labor costs $3. Using this information and the table below, calculate Marginal Product and Marginal Cost and discuss how the peak and then decline in Marginal Product is related to the minimum and subsequent increase in Marginal Cost. Hint: Marginal Cost is the additional cost of producing one additional unit of output. 

Table linking output to inputs

Units of Labor Input Quantity of Output Marginal Product Marginal Cost 
0 0    
1 3    
2 7    
3 12    
4 16    
5 19    
6 21    
7 22    

Share your methods and calculations for Marginal Product and Marginal Cost and be specific in discussing the link between the two. 

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