What is the Optimality Condition for a Firm's Profit Maximization Problem?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the optimality condition for a firm's profit maximization problem using the production function $$Y=zK^{\alpha}{N}^{1-\alpha}$$. The profit maximization problem is formulated as $$\max_{{N}}zF(K^{\alpha}{N}^{1-\alpha})-wN$$, where $$K$$ is fixed and cost-free. The optimality condition is derived as $${MP}_{N}=w$$, leading to the equation $$z(1-\alpha){K}^{\alpha}{N}^{-\alpha}=w$$. The goal is to express the optimality condition as $$\alpha=1-\frac{wN}{Y}$$, clarifying the roles of variables such as $$z$$ and $$F$$ in the context of production.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of production functions, specifically Cobb-Douglas forms.
  • Knowledge of profit maximization in economics.
  • Familiarity with marginal product concepts, particularly $$MP_N$$.
  • Basic calculus for taking partial derivatives.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Cobb-Douglas production functions.
  • Learn about marginal product and its implications in economics.
  • Explore the relationship between wages and optimal labor input in production.
  • Investigate the implications of fixed inputs in profit maximization scenarios.
USEFUL FOR

Economists, students of microeconomics, and anyone interested in understanding profit maximization strategies in production theory will benefit from this discussion.

Ginnee
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If I'm given a firm's production function of

$$Y=zK^{\alpha}{N}^{1-\alpha}$$

Then assuming $$K$$ is fixed and cost free, we can get our profit maximzation problem of

$$\max_{{N}}zF(K^{\alpha}{N}^{1-\alpha})-wN$$

To find the optimality condition, $${MP}_{N}=w$$ , I take the partial derivative and find

$$z{F}_{N}=z(1-\alpha){K}^{\alpha}{N}^{-\alpha}=w$$

Here is where I'm stuck.

I need to show that the optimality condition can be written as $$\alpha=1-\frac{wN}{Y}$$

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Gin
 
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Ginnee said:
If I'm given a firm's production function of

$$Y=zK^{\alpha}{N}^{1-\alpha}$$

Then assuming $$K$$ is fixed and cost free, we can get our profit maximzation problem of

$$\max_{{N}}zF(K^{\alpha}{N}^{1-\alpha})-wN$$

To find the optimality condition, $${MP}_{N}=w$$ , I take the partial derivative and find

$$z{F}_{N}=z(1-\alpha){K}^{\alpha}{N}^{-\alpha}=w$$

Here is where I'm stuck.

I need to show that the optimality condition can be written as $$\alpha=1-\frac{wN}{Y}$$

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Gin

Dont get the notation. What is z and F and also F with a subscript N
 

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