📚 Learning Guide
Cost Minimization in Firms
easy

If a firm finds that the marginal product of labor is greater than the marginal product of capital, what should it do to minimize costs?

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Learning Path
Learning Path

Question & Answer
1
Understand Question
2
Review Options
3
Learn Explanation
4
Explore Topic

Choose the Best Answer

A

Hire more workers

B

Invest in more machinery

C

Reduce both labor and capital

D

Maintain the current levels of labor and capital

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

When a firm discovers that the marginal product of labor is greater than the marginal product of capital, it means that hiring more workers will produce more output compared to investing in machines or equipment. To minimize costs, the firm should focus on increasing its workforce rather than spending money on capital. For example, if a factory can produce 10 more units by hiring an additional worker but only 5 more units by buying a new machine, it makes sense to hire the worker. This strategy helps the firm get the most output for the least amount of money, ensuring efficiency in production and cost management. By reallocating resources toward labor, the firm can improve its overall productivity and profitability.

Detailed Explanation

When the extra output from workers is higher than from machines, hiring more workers helps produce more for less cost. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that buying more machines will help; People might believe cutting back on both workers and machines saves money.

Key Concepts

Cost Minimization
Marginal Product of Labor and Capital
Resource Allocation
Topic

Cost Minimization in Firms

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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