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HomeHomework HelpeconomicsDiminishing Marginal Returns

Diminishing Marginal Returns

Diminishing marginal returns refer to the principle that as more units of a variable input are added to a fixed input, the additional output generated from each new unit will eventually decrease. This concept is crucial for understanding production efficiency and helps economists analyze how changes in labor or equipment impact overall production levels. Recognizing this phenomenon is vital for making informed decisions in business operations and resource allocation.

intermediate
2 hours
Economics
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Overview

Diminishing marginal returns is a fundamental concept in economics that describes how adding more of one input to a fixed input will eventually lead to smaller increases in output. This principle is crucial for understanding production efficiency and resource allocation in various industries, includ...

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Key Terms

Marginal Product
The additional output produced by adding one more unit of input.

Example: If hiring one more worker increases output from 10 to 15 units, the marginal product is 5.

Fixed Input
An input that cannot be changed in the short term, such as land or machinery.

Example: A factory building is a fixed input that cannot be easily increased.

Variable Input
An input that can be changed in the short term, like labor or raw materials.

Example: Hiring more workers is a variable input that can be adjusted quickly.

Production Function
A mathematical representation of the relationship between inputs and outputs in production.

Example: The production function shows how many units of output can be produced with different combinations of inputs.

Total Product
The total output produced by all units of input.

Example: If 5 workers produce 100 units, the total product is 100.

Average Product
The output produced per unit of input, calculated by dividing total product by the number of inputs used.

Example: If 100 units are produced by 5 workers, the average product is 20 units per worker.

Related Topics

Production Theory
Explores how goods are produced and the factors that influence production efficiency.
intermediate
Cost Analysis
Examines how costs affect production decisions and overall business strategy.
intermediate
Economies of Scale
Discusses how increasing production can lead to lower costs per unit.
advanced

Key Concepts

Marginal ProductFixed InputsVariable InputsProduction Function