1 Production Function Q t =ƒ(inputs t ) Q t =output rate input t =input rate where is...

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1

Production FunctionProduction Function

Qt=ƒ(inputst)

Qt=output rate

inputt=input rate

where is technology?

Firms try to be on the surface of the PF. Inside the function implies there is waste,

or technological inefficiency.

Production Function

Q=ƒ(Kt,Lt)

Qt

Kt

Lt

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Difference between LR and SRDifference between LR and SR

LR is time period where all inputs can be varied. Labor, land, capital, entrepreneurial effort, etc.

SR is time period when at least some inputs are fixed. Usually think of capital (i.e., plant size) as the fixed input, and labor

as the variable input.

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Long Run: Q = f (K,L)Long Run: Q = f (K,L) Suppose there are two different sized Suppose there are two different sized

plants, Kplants, K11 and K and K22..

One Short Run: One Short Run:

Q = f ( KQ = f ( K11,L) ,L) i.e., K fixed at Ki.e., K fixed at K11

A second Short Run:A second Short Run:

Q = f ( KQ = f ( K22,L) ,L) i.e., K fixed at Ki.e., K fixed at K22

Show this graphicallyShow this graphically

LR production function as many SR production LR production function as many SR production functions.functions.

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Two Separate SR Production FunctionsTwo Separate SR Production Functions

QQ

LL

Q = f( KQ = f( K22, L ), L )

Q = f( KQ = f( K11, L ), L )

KK2 2 > K> K11

What Happens when Technology Changes?What Happens when Technology Changes?

This shifts the entire production function, both in the SR and in the LR.

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Technology ChangesTechnology Changes

QQ

LL

TP before computerTP before computer

TP after computerTP after computer

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SR Production Function in More DetailSR Production Function in More Detail

Express this in two dimensions, L and Q, since K is fixed.

Define Marginal Product of Labor. Slope is MPL=dQ/dL

Identify three ranges I: MPL >0 and rising

II: MPL >0 and falling

III: MPL<0 and falling

I II III

L

QQ

Qt=ƒ(Kfixed,Lt)

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Where Diminishing Returns Sets InWhere Diminishing Returns Sets In

As you add more and more variable inputs to fixed inputs, eventually marginal productivity begins to fall.

As you move into zone II, diminishing returns sets in!

Why does this occur?

L

QQ

I III II

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Why Diminishing Returns Sets InWhy Diminishing Returns Sets In

Since plant size (i.e., capital) is fixed, labor has to start competing for the fixed capital.

Even though Q still increases with L for a while, the change in Q is smaller.

L

QQ

I III II

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Average Product = Q / L output per unit of labor. frequently reported in press.

Marginal Product =dQ/dL output attributable to last unit of labor used. what economists think of.

Define APDefine APLL and MP and MPLL

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Average Productivity GraphicallyAverage Productivity Graphically

Take ray from origin to the SR production function.

Derive slope of that ray

Q=Q1

L=L1

Thus,

Q/L =Q1 /L1

QQ11

QQ

QQ

LL

Q=f(KQ=f(KFIXEDFIXED,L),L)

LL11LL

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Average Productivity GraphicallyAverage Productivity Graphically

APL rises until L2

Beyond L2 , the APL begins to fall.

That is, the average productivity rises, reaches a peak, and then declines

QQ

QQ22

LL

Q=f(KQ=f(KFIXEDFIXED,L),L)

LL22

LL22

Q/LQ/L

APAPLL

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Average & Marginal ProductivityAverage & Marginal Productivity

There is a relationship between the productivity of the average worker, and the productivity of the marginal worker.

Think of a batting average. Think of your marginal productivity in the most recent game. Think of average productivity from beginning of year.

When MP > AP, then AP is RISING When MP < AP, then AP is FALLING When MP = AP, then AP is at its MAX

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Average Productivity GraphicallyAverage Productivity Graphically

MPL rises until L1

Beyond L1 , the MPL begins to fall.

Look at AP

i. Until L2, MPL >APL and thus APL rises.

ii. At L2, MPL=APL and thus APL peaks.

iii. Beyond L2, MPL<APL and thus APL falls.

QQ

LL22

LLLL22

Q/LQ/L

APAPLL

LL11

LL11

MPMPLL

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Anytime you add a marginal unit to an average unit, it either pulls the average up, keeps it the same, or pulls it down. When MP > AP, then AP is rising since it pulls it the average up. When MP < AP, then AP is falling since it pulls the average down. When MP = AP, then AP stays the same.

Think of softball batting average example.

Intuitive explanationIntuitive explanation

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LR Production FunctionLR Production Function

Qt

Lt

Kt

IsoquantsIsoquants(i.e.,constant(i.e.,constant quantity)quantity)

Define IsoquantDefine Isoquant

Different combinations of Kt and Lt which generate the same level of output, Qt.

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Isoquants & LR Production FunctionsIsoquants & LR Production Functions

QQtt = Q(K = Q(Ktt, L, Ltt))

Output rate increases as you move to higher Output rate increases as you move to higher isoquants.isoquants.

Slope represents ability to tradeoff inputs while Slope represents ability to tradeoff inputs while holding output constant.holding output constant. Marginal Rate of Technical SubstitutionMarginal Rate of Technical Substitution ..

Closeness represents steepness of production Closeness represents steepness of production hill.hill.

ISOQUANT MAPISOQUANT MAP

Q1

Q2

Q3

K

L

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Slope of IsoquantSlope of Isoquant

Slope is typically not constant. Tradeoff between K and L depends

on level of each.

Can derive slope by totally differentiating the LR production function.

Marginal rate of technical substitution is –MPL/MPK

KKtt

LLtt

QQ

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Extreme CasesExtreme Cases

No Substitutability Perfect Substitutability

LL

KK

QQ11

QQ22

Inputs used in fixedInputs used in fixed proportions!proportions!

KK

QQ11

QQ22

LL

Tradeoff is constantTradeoff is constant

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SubstitutabilitySubstitutability

Low Substitutability High Substitutability

LL

KK

QQ11

KK

QQ11

LL

Slope of Isoquant Slope of Isoquant changes very littlechanges very little

Slope of Isoquant Slope of Isoquant changes a lotchanges a lot

Isoquants and Returns to ScaleIsoquants and Returns to Scale

Returns to scale are cost savings associated with a firm getting larger.

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Increasing Returns to ScaleIncreasing Returns to Scale

Production hill is rising quickly. Lines on the contour map get

closer with equal increments in Q.KK

LLQ=10Q=10

Q=20Q=20Q=30Q=30

Q=40Q=40

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Decreasing Returns to ScaleDecreasing Returns to Scale

Production hill is rising slowly. Lines on the contour map get

further apart with equal increments in Q.

KK

LLQ=10Q=10

Q=20Q=20

Q=30Q=30

Q=40Q=40

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How Can You Tell if a PF has IRS, DRS, or CRS?How Can You Tell if a PF has IRS, DRS, or CRS?

It is possible that it has all three, along various ranges of production.

However, you can also look at a special kind of function, called a homogeneous function. Degree of homogeneity is an indicator returns to scale.

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Homogeneous Functions of Degree Homogeneous Functions of Degree

A function is homogeneous of degree k if multiplying all inputs by , increases the dependent variable by

Q = f ( K, L) So, • Q = f(K, L) is homogenous of degree k.

Cobb-Douglas Production Functions are homogeneous of degree +

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Cobb-Douglas Production FunctionsCobb-Douglas Production Functions

Q = A • K • L is a Cobb-Douglas Production Function Degree of Homogeneity is derived by increasing all the inputs by

Q = A • ( K) • ( L) Q = A • K • L

Q = A • K • L

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Cobb-Douglas Production FunctionsCobb-Douglas Production Functions

This is a Constant Elasticity Function Elasticity of substitution = 1

Coefficients are elasticities is the capital elasticity of output, EK

is the labor elasticity of output, E L

If Ek or L <1 then that input is subject to Diminishing Returns. C-D PF can be IRS, DRS or CRS

if + 1, then CRS if + < 1, then DRS

if + > 1, then IRS

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Technical Change in LRTechnical Change in LR

Technical change causes isoquants to shift inward Less inputs for given output

May cause slope to change along ray from origin Labor saving Capital saving

May not change slope Neutral implies parallel shift

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Technical changeTechnical change

Labor Saving Capital Saving

K

L

K

L

Lets now turn to the Cost SideLets now turn to the Cost Side

What is Goal of Firm?

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Define Isocost LineDefine Isocost Line

Put K on vertical axis, and L on horizontal axis.

Assume input prices for labor (i.e., w) and capital (i.e., r) are fixed.

Define: TC=w*L + r*K Solve for K:

r*K= TC-w*L

K=(TC/r) - (w/r)*L

Isocost Line

KK

LL

Slope=-w/rSlope=-w/rTC/rTC/r

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TC constant along Isocost line.TC constant along Isocost line.

KK

LL

TCTC11/r/r

TCTC11/w/w

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in TC parallel shifts Isocostin TC parallel shifts Isocost

KK

LL

TCTC11/r/r

TCTC11/w/w

TCTC22/r/r

TCTC22/w/w

TCTC22 > TC> TC11

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Change in input price rotates IsocostChange in input price rotates Isocost

KK

LL

TC/rTC/r

TC/wTC/w11TC/wTC/w22

ww2 2 < w< w11

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Optimal Input Levels in LROptimal Input Levels in LR

Suppose Optimal Output level is determined (Q1).

Suppose w and r fixed. What is least costly way to

produce Q1?

KK

LL

QQ11

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Optimal Input Levels in LROptimal Input Levels in LR

Suppose Optimal Output level is determined (Q1).

Suppose w and r fixed. What is least costly way to produce Q1?

Find closest isocost line to origin! Optimal point is point of allocative

efficiency.

KK

LL

QQ11

KK11

LL11

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Cost Minimizing ConditionCost Minimizing Condition

Slopes of Isoquant and Isocost are equal Slope of Isoquant=MRTS=- MPL/ MPK

Slope of Isocost=input price ratio=-w/r

At tangency, - MPL/ MPK = -w/r

Rearranging gives: MPL/w= MPK /r

In words: Additional output from last $ spent on L = additional output from last $ spent on

K.

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The LR Expansion PathThe LR Expansion Path

Costs increase when output increases in LR!

Look at increase from Q1 to Q2.

Both Labor and Capital adjust. Connecting these points gives the

expansion path.

K

L

Q1

Q2

L1 L2

K1

K2

expansion path

We can show that LR adjustment along the We can show that LR adjustment along the expansion path is less costly than SR adjustment expansion path is less costly than SR adjustment

holding K fixed!holding K fixed!

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Start at an original LR equilibrium (i.e., at QStart at an original LR equilibrium (i.e., at Q11).).

K

L

Q1

L1

K1

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LR AdjustmentLR Adjustment

LR adjustment: K increases (K1 to K2)

L increases (L1 to L2)

TC increases from black to blue isocost.

K

L

Q1

Q2

L1 L2

K1

K2

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SR AdjustmentSR Adjustment

SR adjustment. K constant at K1.

L increases (L1 to L3)

TC increases from black to white isocost.

K

L

Q1

Q2

L1

K1

L3

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LR Adjustment less CostlyLR Adjustment less Costly

White Isocost (i.e., SR) is further from the origin than the Blue Isocost (LR).

Thus, the more flexible LR is less costly than the less flexible SR.

K

L

Q1

Q2

L1 L2

K1

K2

L3

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Impact of Input Price ChangeImpact of Input Price Change

Start at equilibrium. Recall slope of isocost=K/L= -w/r

Suppose w and optimal Q stays same (i.e., Q1)

Rotate budget line out, and then shift back inward!

K

L

Q1

L1

K1

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Decrease in wage leads to substitutionDecrease in wage leads to substitution

Firms substitute away from capital (K1 to K2).

Firms substitute toward labor (L1 to L2)

Pure substitution effect: a to b Maps out demand for labor curve

K

L

Q1

L1

K1

K2

L2

ab

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Derivation of Labor Demand from Substitution Derivation of Labor Demand from Substitution EffectEffect

Wage falls w

K

L

Q1

L1

K1

K2

L2

ab

LL1 L2

w1

w2

DL1

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There is also a scale effectThere is also a scale effect

Scale effect is increase in output that results from lower costs

Scale effect: b-c K

L

Q1

L1

K1a

bc

Q2

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Scale Effect Shifts DemandScale Effect Shifts Demand

Wage falls w

K

L

Q1

L1

K1

K2

L2

ab

LL1 L2

w1

w2

c

L3

L3

DL1

DL2

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Recall the Isocost LineRecall the Isocost LineTC=w*L + r*KTC=w*L + r*K

Thus, TC=TVC+TFC Lets relate the cost relationships to the

production relationships. Recall the Law of Diminishing Returns.

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Law of Diminishing Marginal ReturnsLaw of Diminishing Marginal Returns

As you add more and more variable inputs (L) to your fixed inputs (K), marginal additions to output eventually fall (i.e., MPL= Q/L falls)

What does this say about the shape of cost curves?

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Marginal Productivity (MPMarginal Productivity (MPLL) and Marginal Cost (MC)) and Marginal Cost (MC)

Look at how TC changes when output changes. Assume w and r are fixed. Since TC=w*L+r*K then TC = w*L + r*K How does K change in SR?

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Changes in TC in SR must come from changes in Changes in TC in SR must come from changes in Labor.Labor.

TC = w* L Divide through by change in Q (ie. Q) TC/Q = w* (L/Q) TC/Q = Marginal Cost = MC What is MPL?

MPL=(Q/L)

Thus: TC/Q = w* 1/(Q/L) This gives: MC=w/MPL

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MC=w/MPMC=w/MPLL

MPL

LL1

MC

Q

Look at where Diminishing Returns sets in.

MPL

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MC=w/MPMC=w/MPLL

MPLMC

Substitute L1 into SR Production Function

Q1=f(KFIXED,L1)

LL1Q

MC

Q1

MPL

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Alternatively: TC and TPAlternatively: TC and TP

Q TC

Substitute L1 into SR Production Function

Q1=f(KFIXED,L1)

LL1Q

TC

Q1

MPL

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Relationship between APRelationship between APLL and AVC and AVC

TC=TVC + TFC TC = w*L + r*K Divide equation by Q to get average cost formula. TC/Q = w*L/Q + r*K/Q ATC = AVC + AFC Thus, AVC=w*L/Q

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AVC and APAVC and APLL

AVC=w*L/Q Rearranging: AVC=w/(Q/L) Since Q/L=APL

AVC=w/APL

Diagram is similar.

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AVC=w/APAVC=w/APLL

APL

Substitute L2 into SR Production Function

Q2=f(KFIXED,L2)

LL2

AVC

Q

AVC

Q2

APL

Put SR Cost Curves TogetherPut SR Cost Curves Together

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Average Cost CurvesAverage Cost Curves

$

Q

ATC

AVC

AFC

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Short Run Average Costs and Marginal CostShort Run Average Costs and Marginal Cost

$

Q

ATC

AVCMC

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Cost Curve ShiftersCost Curve Shifters(Variable Cost Increases)(Variable Cost Increases)

A change in the wage shifts the AVC and MC curves.

Thus, the ATC curve also shifts upward.

$

Q

ATC

MC

ATC’MC’

AVC

AVC’

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Cost Curve ShiftersCost Curve Shifters(Fixed Cost Increases)(Fixed Cost Increases)

An increase in price of capital increases fixed costs, but not variable costs.

Thus, AVC and MC are fixed, but ATC increases.

$

Q

AVC

MC ATCATC’

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Costs in the LRCosts in the LR

Why did SR cost curves have the shape they did? Why do LR cost curves have the shape they do?

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LR Total Costs GraphicallyLR Total Costs Graphically

TCTC

IRSIRSDRSDRS

QQ

CostCost CRSCRS

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Why are there Economies of Scale?Why are there Economies of Scale?

Specialization in use of inputs. Less than proportionate materials use as plant size

increase. Some technologies are not feasible at small scales.

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Why do Diseconomies of Scale Set In?Why do Diseconomies of Scale Set In?

Eventually, large scale operations become more costly to operate (i.e., they use more resources) due to problems of coordination and control.

e.g., red tape in the bureaucracy. Graphical Representation

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Economies and Diseconomies of ScaleEconomies and Diseconomies of Scale

Assume Q increases 10 units for each isoquant

IRS

K

L

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Economies and Diseconomies of ScaleEconomies and Diseconomies of Scale

Assume Q increases 10 units for each isoquant

IRS

K

L

DRS

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Economies and Diseconomies of ScaleEconomies and Diseconomies of Scale

Assume Q increases 10 units for each isoquant LRAC curve

IRS

K

L

DRS$

Q

IRSDRS

CRS

QMES

CRS

LRMC and LRAC CurvesLRMC and LRAC Curves

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LRAC and LRMCLRAC and LRMC

$

Q

LRACLRMC

LRMC is TC/Q (i.e., change in TC from a change in Q) when all inputs are variable inputs.

When LRMC is above LRAC, it pulls the average up, and vice-versa.

Relating SR to LR curvesRelating SR to LR curves

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Relationship between SR ATC and LRAC curvesRelationship between SR ATC and LRAC curves..

At Q1, the SR plant size which gives

ATC1 is least costly.

$

Q

LRACATC1

Q1

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Relationship between SR ATC and LRAC curves.Relationship between SR ATC and LRAC curves.

At Q1, the SR plant size which gives

ATC1 is least costly.

SR ATC is tangent to LRAC at one point.$

Q

LRACATC1

Q1

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Relationship between SR ATC and LRAC curves.Relationship between SR ATC and LRAC curves.

At Q1, the SR plant size which gives

ATC1 is least costly.

SR ATC is tangent to LRAC at one point.

Tangency is not at minimum point of ATC1.

$

Q

LRACATC1

Q1

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Adjustments in SR are still more costly than LRAdjustments in SR are still more costly than LR

At Q2, the SR plant size which gives

ATC1 is no longer least costly.

$

Q

LRACATC1

Q2

atc1

lrac1

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Adjustments in SR are still more costly than LRAdjustments in SR are still more costly than LR

At Q2, the SR plant size which gives

ATC1 is no longer least costly.

Optimal move would be to larger plant size!$

Q

LRACATC1

Q2

atc1

lrac1

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LRAC is lower “envelope” of family of SRATC LRAC is lower “envelope” of family of SRATC curvescurves

$

Q

LRAC

ATC1ATC3ATC2

Q1 Q2=QMES Q3

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SRMC and LRMCSRMC and LRMC

q1 q2 q3

SRATC1

SRATC2

SRATC3

SRMC1

SRMC2

SRMC3 LRAC

LRMC$

q

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