📚 Learning Guide
Profit Maximization in Labor Markets
hard

In the context of profit maximization in labor markets, how does a firm determine the optimal quantity of labor to employ?

Master this concept with our detailed explanation and step-by-step learning approach

Learning Path
Learning Path

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

Choose the Best Answer

A

By equating marginal revenue product of labor to the wage rate

B

By maximizing total output regardless of costs

C

By hiring as many workers as possible without considering costs

D

By increasing wages until all workers are satisfied

Understanding the Answer

Let's break down why this is correct

Answer

A firm determines the optimal quantity of labor to employ by looking at how much additional output each worker can produce compared to the cost of hiring them. This is known as the marginal product of labor, which is the extra output generated by adding one more worker. The firm will keep hiring workers as long as the value of the additional output they create is greater than their wage. For example, if hiring one more worker increases production by enough to earn $100, but that worker costs $80 in wages, it makes sense for the firm to hire them. Ultimately, the firm aims to balance the cost of labor with the revenue generated from the goods produced, maximizing its profits.

Detailed Explanation

A firm finds the best number of workers by comparing how much money each worker brings in to how much they are paid. Other options are incorrect because Some might think that just making more products is the goal; It's a common mistake to think hiring many workers is always good.

Key Concepts

labor demand
marginal revenue
profit maximization
Topic

Profit Maximization in Labor Markets

Difficulty

hard level question

Cognitive Level

understand

Ready to Master More Topics?

Join thousands of students using Seekh's interactive learning platform to excel in their studies with personalized practice and detailed explanations.