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Question

Neo-classical production function has which of the following characteristics ?
(a) Positive and diminishing marginal productivities of the factors
(b) Constant returns to scale
(c) Satisfies Inada conditions
Choose the correct answer from the code below :

The correct answer is
(a), (b) and (c)

Neo-classical Production Function Characteristics

The neo-classical production function is a fundamental concept in microeconomics. Let's examine the characteristics mentioned:

1. Positive and Diminishing Marginal Productivities

A key feature is that each factor of production (like labor or capital) has a positive marginal product (adding more of a factor increases output) but a diminishing marginal product (each additional unit of a factor adds less to output than the previous one). This reflects the law of diminishing returns.

2. Constant Returns to Scale

Many standard neo-classical production functions exhibit constant returns to scale. This means that if all inputs are increased by a certain proportion, output increases by the same proportion. For example, doubling all inputs would double the output.

3. Inada Conditions

The Inada conditions are theoretical properties often assumed for neo-classical production functions. They typically state:

  • The marginal product of a factor approaches infinity as its input approaches zero.
  • The marginal product of a factor approaches zero as its input approaches infinity.

These conditions ensure that factors are essential and that diminishing returns eventually dominate.

Conclusion

All three characteristics—positive and diminishing marginal productivities, constant returns to scale, and the satisfaction of Inada conditions—are typically associated with the neo-classical production function. Therefore, all statements (a), (b), and (c) are correct.

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Important Questions from Production Function

  1. Match the stages of production with their corresponding characteristics :
    (i) Stage-I(a) Total product declines, Marginal product is negative
    (ii) Stage-II(b) Total product increases at an increasing rate, marginal product positive
    (iii) Stage-III(c) Total product increases at a diminishing rate, marginal product is zero.
  2. Which one of the following is not an Hirofumi Ujawa condition for a well behaved production function ?
  3. Exponents of the Cobb-Douglas production represent :
  4. Given the production function $Q = 2 \cdot K^{1/3} \cdot L^{2/3}$, find the output level when 8 units of capital and 27 units of labour are used.
  5. When the quantity food production is done continuously every day, with no peaks and troughs of activity in production centres, it is termed as :
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