📚 Learning Guide
Profit Maximization in Labor Markets
easy

If hiring additional workers is like increasing the size of a production line to enhance output, then what is the equivalent scenario for when a firm continues hiring until the marginal revenue product equals the marginal factor cost?

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Choose the Best Answer

A

A bakery stops adding ovens when the cost of ingredients equals the revenue from pastries sold.

B

A factory expands its floor space until the cost of rent matches the revenue from extra products.

C

A restaurant increases its menu items until the cost of staff exceeds the revenue from customer orders.

D

A delivery service hires drivers until the cost of gas is less than the revenue from deliveries.

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

When a firm hires additional workers until the marginal revenue product equals the marginal factor cost, it is like finding the perfect balance between effort and reward. The marginal revenue product is the extra money the firm makes from hiring one more worker, while the marginal factor cost is the extra cost of paying that worker. For example, if a firm hires a new employee and finds that this worker generates $100 in sales but costs $100 to employ, it is at the ideal point of hiring. This balance helps the firm maximize its profits because hiring beyond this point would mean spending more on labor than the additional income generated. Therefore, firms strive to hire workers up to the point where these two values match, ensuring they do not waste resources.

Detailed Explanation

A factory should keep expanding until the cost of rent matches the money it makes from selling more products. Other options are incorrect because This option suggests stopping when ingredient costs equal sales revenue; This choice implies increasing staff until costs exceed revenue.

Key Concepts

Profit maximization in labor markets
Marginal revenue product and marginal factor cost
Optimal hiring decisions
Topic

Profit Maximization in Labor Markets

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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