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Chapter 2: Problem 9

If the slope of the PPF is the same between any two points, what does this relationship imply about costs? Explain your answer.

Short Answer

Expert verified
If the slope of the PPF is the same between any two points, it signifies a constant opportunity cost. This implies that the costs of production are consistent; the cost of producing one good in terms of the other doesn't increase or decrease, regardless of the output level.

Step by step solution

01

Understand PPF and its Slope

First, it's important to comprehend what the Production Possibility Frontier (PPF) is. The PPF is the curve depicting all maximum output possibilities for two goods, given a set of inputs consisting of resources and other factors. The inputs are assumed to be used efficiently. The slope of the PPF indicates the rate at which production of one good can be replaced by production of another good.
02

Interpret the Constant Slope

Now, if the PPF slope is constant, which means it's the same between any two points, this indicates a constant opportunity cost. In other words, to get more of one good, we always have to give up a fixed amount of the other good, regardless of the current output level.
03

Deduce the Implication on Costs

Finally, this uniform slope implies that the costs are consistent or constant. The cost of producing one good in terms of the other doesn't change. The economy doesn't face increasing costs in the production of goods when it switches from the production of one good to another.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Within a PPF framework, explain each of the following: (a) a disagreement between a person who favors more domestic welfare spending and one who favors more national defense spending, (b) an increase in the population, and (c) a technological change that makes resources less specialized.

What exactly allows individuals to consume more if they specialize and trade than if they don't?

Describe how each of the following would affect the U.S. PPF: (a) a war that takes place on U.S. soil, (b) the discovery of a new oil field, (c) a decrease in the unemployment rate, and \((\mathrm{d})\) a law that requires individuals to enter lines of work for which they are not suited.

Can a technological advancement in sector \(X\) of the economy affect the number of people who work in sector \(Y\) of the economy? Explain your answer.

Give an example to illustrate each of the following: (a) constant opportunity costs and (b) increasing opportunity costs.
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