Question

applying the concept of a production function to your learning, assume that the amount of learning you acquire can be summarized by the following equation (and that your motivation to learn and the quality of instruction are both rated on a scale from 1 to 10):

amount of learning acquired = 0.2(number of books read) + 0.25(hours spent studying) + 0.15(quality of instruction) + 0.4(motivation to learn)

refer to figure 17-5. based on the equation given in this figure, if your motivation to learn rises from 7 to 9, by how much will the amount of learning acquired rise as a result?

8
0.8
2
1.6

Explanation:

Identify the given equation and variables

The production function for learning is:

$$ \text{Amount of learning acquired} = 0.2(\text{books}) + 0.25(\text{hours}) + 0.15(\text{quality}) + 0.4(\text{motivation}) $$

Calculate the change in learning

The change in motivation to learn is:

$$ \Delta \text{motivation} = 9 - 7 = 2 $$

The resulting change in the amount of learning acquired is:

$$ \Delta \text{learning} = 0.4 \times \Delta \text{motivation} = 0.4 \times 2 = 0.8 $$

Answer:

• (A) 8
• (B) 0.8 (Correct answer)
• (C) 2
• (D) 1.6