(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 neo-classical production function is a fundamental concept in microeconomics. Let's examine the characteristics mentioned:
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.
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.
The Inada conditions are theoretical properties often assumed for neo-classical production functions. They typically state:
These conditions ensure that factors are essential and that diminishing returns eventually dominate.
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.
| (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. |